Principal Musical Director’s Review of the Year May 2024
As this is a late AGM for 2022-23 and the last year has seen so many significant developments I have written this report to reflect the current year as well.
The last couple of years will surely be remembered as one of the high-water marks for the Dark Peak Music Foundation. Not least because after years of steady development our flagship ensemble, the Dark Peak Concert Band achieved the ultimate recognition of being selected to play in the Music for Youth Proms in the Royal Albert Hall. The news of this came to me while I was on holiday in August and I was sworn to secrecy for a week which was fairly agonising. The experience of playing in the world’s most iconic concert hall to an audience of 5000 seems like a dream now, but it will always be a major landmark in the history of Dark Peak.
Across its many branches the Foundation has developed in leaps and bounds throughout the year. Our new website, crafted by our great friend Gareth Widdowson has already given a fresh and professional public-facing platform for all our ventures.
Dark Peak is run as a “round-table” organisation where each ensemble’s director has autonomy over their group’s artistic and educational planning, whilst working within the progressive structure of the whole. We like to think that individuals, both staff and students, can find within the structure the freedom to develop their artistic vision and aspirations, to develop their own creative, leadership and directing skills and to take ownership of their respective ensembles. I‘d particularly like to give our thanks to Isobel Wren who has stepped down from the Junior Strings after many years devoted work in the area. Also to welcome India Merrett as a new member of the string team, and of course we are so happy to welcome Simon back to the helm of the Glossop Junior Wind Band after his enforced absence.
In terms of numbers we are growing rapidly, with all the training ensembles flourishing and a virtually complete pyramid structure in place. The recent Octagon concert was a fantastic showcase for the full progression, and it was particularly great to see our junior groups growing to record size and producing such amazing performances. For me one of the highlights of this event was to see how much the choir has developed in its short existence – a confident, rousing and totally committed performance of the music from Mamma Mia. I am sure this is just the beginning for this choir, which could be recognised on a national stage sooner than we think.
Our community orchestra which is now in its third year, is a well-established and cohesive group, aspiring to far more ambitious musical levels than we ever imagined. We remain true to the original mission of being open to all players at any level (although in practice this has self-selected to be around Grade 3+ entry). With careful choice of repertoire and some simplifying of parts I think we have successfully integrated players from a wide range of abilities in a happy harmony. The community orchestra is more than just an orchestra – it underpins our commitment to music in the wider society; its role in wellbeing, friendship and the social health. Last year’s Action Together funding which saw a series of musical projects in social and care and settings has led to a lasting legacy with smaller ensembles spontaneously setting up performances in community centres, dementia groups and care homes. The ambition of this orchestra is now to recruit more players and continue exploring a wide range musical styles to the best of our abilities.
Our Joint Instrumental Development Strategy continues to be a live and ongoing project to take a pro-active role in encouraging instrumental uptake from entry level and a balance of instruments for ensembles. This year we are focussing on percussion and have started with a successful series of African and Brazilian Drumming workshops – the “Beat That!” Project, which we intend to develop into a broader percussion programme. This has been supported by Derbyshire Music Partnership and the aim is to bring forward a new generation of percussionists.
Our work has been recognised by our community leaders and we are always grateful for the support we receive from Councillors Paul Hardy and Damien Greenhalgh. This year we have been especially honoured to have been nominated by the Mayor of High Peak, Cllr. Peter Inman, as one of his chosen charities. This endorses the work we
do not only in providing opportunities for musicians to play in ensembles, but also our role in the wider community which we are keen to continue.
The last couple of years have seen the culmination of years of work with the Concert Band, tackling some very ambitious repertoire which we would never have dreamed of doing a few years ago. It only seems yesterday that it was a very young band and in between we have had the pandemic, but they stayed together and have achieved great things – a real testimony to their dedication and commitment. The cycle now goes round again, and the next few years will see the Concert Band becoming once again a young band. It will be our challenge to nurture them and manage their progression, calibrating the choice of music accordingly. But from the talent I see amongst our very young players I am confident that the best is yet to come.
As we approach the end of the year we are preparing for the Summer Concert and the Garden Party. It’s always a joyous occasion, but also a little sad as we say farewell and bon voyage to some players who have become the beating heart of the music centre …. time for the next generation to step up to the podium!
But the fun doesn’t end there! In August we will be going on our next European tour – always a highlight of Dark Peak life. Since 2014 the biennial concert tours have taken us all over Europe. This year we will be pointing the coach to Germany with 70 young musicians visiting the beautiful region of Saxony, with its rich cultural and musical heritage - the home of some of our greatest composers. The tour will include a concert in one of Germany’s finest cathedrals at Halberstadt and visits to Colditz Castle and Dresden, including a river cruise down the Elbe with an evening meal on the boat.
Orchestras and bands are not just musical entities. They are first and foremost a social phenomenon. It’s the individuals who create the character of the ensembles and the best of them leave an indelible impression which shapes the group for generations to come. We have seen amongst our senior players an incredible commitment and they have made an invaluable contribution to the development of the Foundation with their ideas and enthusiasm. We will be very sorry to see some of them leaving us at the end of the year but hope they will continue to stay in touch and be involved in some way.
Each ensemble, each performance, each piece of music is in itself a fleeting experience. It exists just in that moment of time – a small work of art that is here and gone, only left in the memory and inspiration that it leaves in its wake. But in that moment is a magic that resonates throughout a person’s life and will always bring back those happy memories. I’d like to finish by thanking everyone involved in Dark Peak for their dedication, expertise and commitment to creating those unforgettable moments for so many of our young people.
Jeff Snowdon 3[rd] May 2024
| DPMF Main Account Summary2022-23 | DPMF Main Account Summary2022-23 |
|---|---|
| INCOME | |
| Earned Income | Subscriptions |
| Subscriptions - BACS | |
| Ticket Sales | |
| Projects | |
| Merchandise | Refreshments |
| Programmes | |
| Merchandise / Raffle | |
| FundingBodies | Grants |
| Sponsorship | |
| Trusts | |
| Donations | |
| Advertising | Adverts |
| Other | Trip |
| Gift Aid | |
| Fundraising | |
| Choir | |
| Theory | |
| Dalcroze | |
| Minimusic | |
| Misc/Float | |
| TOTAL INCOME | |
| EXPENDITURE | |
| Artistic | Directors Fees |
| Directors Fees - Concerts & Projects | |
| Theory | |
| Supertonics | |
| Mini Music | |
| Choir | |
| CommunityMusic Programme | |
| Music Purchase / Hire | |
| Equipment Hire/Purchase | |
| Production | Venue Hire - Bradbury |
| Venue Hire - Glossopdale | |
| Venue Hire - VH | |
| Venue Hire - Chinley | |
| Venue Hire - Concerts | |
| Programmes | |
| Refreshments | |
| Other eg. Van | |
| Marketing | Brochure/Web |
| Posters | |
| Merchandise/Raffle |
| Administration | Fees - Administrator |
|---|---|
| Bank | |
| Office expenses | |
| Expenses(eg. Refreshments / Gifts) | |
| Transport | Coach |
| Sundry | NCBF |
| Insurance NMFS | |
| Storage | |
| Misc./Float | |
| Trip | |
| Misc./Float | |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | |
| Surplus for theyear | |
| OpeningBalance | |
| ClosingBalance |
TOTAL 100.00 14073.00 5943.27 220.00 418.22 0.00 0.00 10400.00 0.00 0.00 1785.00 0.00 5156.00 3401.25 532.95 4900.00 80.00 1302.00 1517.61 3310.53 53139.83 17884.95 3052.20 0.00 1305.00 1305.00 5506.98 5714.00 298.47 1261.60 1222.00 1313.50 1655.00 330.00 1000.00 0.00 364.21 30.00 116.66 0.00 0.00
3000.00 75.60 332.71 228.94 895.00 760.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 2140.46 2476.09 52368.37 771.46 28571.75 29343.21
| Dark Peak DPLO Cashfow 2022-23 | Dark Peak DPLO Cashfow 2022-23 |
|---|---|
| INCOME | |
| Earned Income | Subscriptions |
| Subscriptions - BACS | |
| Ticket Sales | |
| Patrons - Friends | |
| Merchandise | Refreshments |
| Programmes | |
| Merchandise / Raffle | |
| FundingBodies | Grants |
| Sponsorship | |
| Trusts | |
| Donations | |
| Advertising | Adverts |
| Other | Trip |
| Gift Aid | |
| Fundraising | |
| Misc/Float | |
| TOTAL INCOME | |
| EXPENDITURE | |
| Artistic | Directors Fees |
| Directors Fees - Concerts & Projects | |
| Music Purchase / Hire | |
| Equipment Hire/Purchase | |
| Production | Venue Hire - VH DPCO |
| Venue Hire - Concerts | |
| Programmes | |
| Refreshments | |
| Other eg. Van | |
| Marketing | Brochure/Web |
| Posters | |
| Merchandise/Raffle | |
| Administration | Fees - Administrator |
| Postage | |
| Stationery/photocopying | |
| Expenses(eg. Refreshments / Gifts) | |
| Transport | Coach |
| Sundry | Insurance NMFS |
| Storage | |
| Misc./Float | |
| Trip | |
| Misc./Float | |
TOTAL EXPENDITURE Surplus for the year Opening Balance Closing Balance
TOTAL 0.00 3830.00 845.94 0.00 181.40 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 209.86 0.00 0.00 825.00 0.00 315.00 6207.20 2790.00 240.00 180.19 0.00 620.00 400.00 0.00 173.26 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 20.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 489.00
4912.45 1294.75 2398.01 3692.76
D4rk PeFJk fousk Itrity TrLbeF 11675541. give IdiiLE with generally ar.rEpTP.cl .rJE prècriie, Df the af affair 202 3 of tho rtd t0thpchrItY for year
| Merged f | or CharityCommission Retu | rn |
|---|---|---|
| DPMF Main Account Summary2022-23 | ||
| INCOME | TOTAL | |
| Earned Income | Subscriptions |
100.00 |
| Subscriptions - BACS | 14073.00 | |
| Ticket Sales | 5943.27 | |
| Projects | 220.00 | |
| Merchandise | Refreshments | 418.22 |
| Programmes | 0.00 | |
| Merchandise / Raffle | 0.00 | |
| FundingBodie | sGrants | 10400.00 |
| Sponsorship | 0.00 | |
| Trusts | 0.00 | |
| Donations | 1785.00 | |
| Advertising | Adverts | 0.00 |
| Other | Trip | 5156.00 |
| Gift Aid | 3401.25 | |
| Fundraising | 532.95 | |
| Choir | 4900.00 | |
| Theory | 80.00 | |
| Dalcroze | 1302.00 | |
| Minimusic | 1517.61 | |
| Misc/Float | 3310.53 | |
| TOTAL INCOM | E | 53139.83 |
| Artistic | Directors Fees | 17884.95 |
|---|---|---|
| Directors Fees - Concerts & Projects | 3052.20 | |
| Theory | 0.00 | |
| Supertonics | 1305.00 | |
| Mini Music | 1305.00 | |
| Choir | 5506.98 | |
| CommunityMusic Programme | 5714.00 | |
| Music Purchase / Hire | 298.47 | |
| Equipment Hire/Purchase | 1261.60 | |
| Production | Venue Hire - Bradbury | 1222.00 |
| Venue Hire - Glossopdale | 1313.50 | |
| Venue Hire - VH | 1655.00 | |
| Venue Hire - Chinley | 330.00 | |
| Venue Hire - Concerts | 1000.00 | |
| Programmes | 0.00 | |
| Refreshments | 364.21 |
| Other eg. Van | 30.00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing | Brochure/Web | 116.66 |
| Posters | 0.00 | |
| Merchandise/Raffle | 0.00 | |
| Administration | Fees - Administrator | 3000.00 |
| Bank | 75.60 | |
| Office expenses | 332.71 | |
| Expenses(eg. Refreshments / Gifts) | 228.94 | |
| Transport | Coach | 895.00 |
| Sundry | NCBF | 760.00 |
| Insurance NMFS | 0.00 | |
| Storage | 0.00 | |
| Misc./Float | 100.00 | |
| Trip | 2140.46 | |
| Misc./Float | 2476.09 | |
| TOTAL EXPEN | DITURE | 52368.37 |
| Surplus for the | year | 771.46 |
| OpeningBalan | ce | 28571.75 |
| ClosingBalanc | e | 29343.21 |
| Dark Peak DPLO Cashfow 2022-23 | |
| INCOME | |
| Earned Income | Subscriptions |
| Subscriptions - BACS | |
| Ticket Sales | |
| Merchandise | Refreshments |
| Programmes | |
| Merchandise / Raffle | |
| FundingBodies | Grants |
| Sponsorship | |
| Trusts | |
| Donations | |
| Advertising | Adverts |
| Other | Trip |
| Gift Aid | |
| Fundraising | |
| Misc/Float | |
| TOTAL INCOME |
| Artistic | Directors Fees |
|---|---|
| Directors Fees - Concerts & Projects | |
| Music Purchase / Hire | |
| Equipment Hire/Purchase | |
| Production | Venue Hire - VH DPCO |
| Venue Hire - Concerts | |
| Programmes | |
| Refreshments |
| Other eg. Van | |
|---|---|
| Marketing | Brochure/Web |
| Posters | |
| Merchandise/Raffle | |
| Administration | Fees - Administrator |
| Postage | |
| Stationery/photocopying | |
| Expenses(eg. Refreshments / Gifts) | |
| Transport | Coach |
| Sundry | Insurance NMFS |
| Storage | |
| Misc./Float | |
| Trip | |
| Misc./Float | |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | |
| Surplus for theyear | |
| OpeningBalance | |
| ClosingBalance |
| CharityCom | m Categories | ||||
| TOTAL | Combined | Donations | Charitable | ||
| 0.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 | |||
| 3830.00 | 17903.00 | 17903.00 | |||
| 845.94 | 6789.21 | ||||
| 220.00 | |||||
| 181.40 | 599.62 | ||||
| 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| 0.00 | 10400.00 | 10400.00 | |||
| 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| 209.86 | 1994.86 | 1994.86 | |||
| 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| 0.00 | 5156.00 | ||||
| 825.00 | 4226.25 | 4226.25 | |||
| 0.00 | 532.95 | ||||
| 4900.00 | 4900.00 | ||||
| 80.00 | 80.00 | ||||
| 1302.00 | 1302.00 | ||||
| 1517.61 | 1517.61 | ||||
| 315.00 | 3625.53 | ||||
| 6207.20 | 59347.03 | 0.00 | 34624.11 | 7799.61 |
| Payroll | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2790.00 | 20674.95 | 20674.95 |
| 240.00 | 3292.20 | 3292.20 |
| 0.00 | ||
| 1305.00 | ||
| 1305.00 | ||
| 5506.98 | ||
| 5714.00 | ||
| 180.19 | 478.66 | |
| 0.00 | 1261.60 | |
| 1222.00 | ||
| 1313.50 | ||
| 620.00 | 2275.00 | |
| 330.00 | ||
| 400.00 | 1400.00 | |
| 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 173.26 | 537.47 |
| 0.00 | 30.00 |
|---|---|
| 0.00 | 116.66 |
| 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 0.00 | 3000.00 |
| 0.00 | 75.60 |
| 20.00 | 352.71 |
| 0.00 | 228.94 |
| 0.00 | 895.00 |
| 0.00 | 760.00 |
| 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 0.00 | 100.00 |
| 2140.46 | |
| 489.00 | 2965.09 |
| 0.00 | |
| 4912.45 | 57280.82 |
| 1294.75 | 2066.21 |
| 2398.01 | 30969.76 |
| 3692.76 | 33035.97 |
23967.15
| Trading | other | |
| 6789.21 | ||
| 220.00 | ||
| 599.62 | ||
| 5156.00 | ||
| 532.95 | ||
| 3625.53 | Grand total | |
| 8141.78 | 8781.53 | 59347.03 |
ie recieved during the financial period of this return from: plete this section will generally be found in the income section of your charity's om one or more of these sources. you shouLd enter zero. .ds rnay not necessarily represent the Gross Incorne of the charity. )unts have, for exarnple. been prepared to the nearest thousand. come generated from.. r receivable including legacies received under gift aid ng or are of a general nature sponsorships where these are. in substance. donations ces and faciLities. ne frorn: haritable activity provided by the charity's beneficiaries )erty in furtherance of the charity's objects 'ision of goods or services as part of charitable services or services to mance-reLated grants) .h the above. corne from trading activities that specifically raise funds forthe charity for Ible sales. firework displays and concerts ies which are not pure donations Ited goods and bought-in goods
ther than for the benefit of the charity's beneficiaries held mainly for functional use but temporary surplus to requirements. income from investment assets. incLuding dividends. interest receivabLe and nrealised investment gains and Losses.
Accountants Re ort 'In my opinion, the annual accounts for Dark Peak Music Foundation, Icharity number 11676541, give a true and fair view, in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice, of the state of affairs of the charity as at 31" August 2023 and of the income and expenditure of the charity for the year then ended" K Crellin FCCA 17, May 2024