Last week our Music Teacher, Katie Neilson, had the great honour of meeting His Majesty The King at a special reception at Windsor Castle.
The reception, held on 3 April 2025, brought together individuals and organisations from across the UK who have made a significant contribution to community music. The evening began with a concert in the historic Waterloo Chamber, featuring performances by The London Gay Men’s Chorus, a quartet from the Royal College of Music, the Sing for Freedom Choir, and acclaimed musician YolanDa Brown.
Mrs Neilson was attending in her role as Director of The Family Music Hub, a Community Interest Company founded in 2023 alongside her co-directors Nicola Burke and Rosie Adediran. The Family Music Hub is dedicated to supporting and developing music-making for families with babies and young children in all sorts of places across the country, including libraries, family centres, community centres and churches. By building the confidence and capacity of group leaders, The Family Music Hub aims to ensure that all families—whatever their social or economic background—can access high-quality, inclusive musical experiences.
Speaking after the event, she said:
“It was an incredible honour to represent The Family Music Hub at this celebration. To speak with His Majesty about the joy and importance of music for young children and their families was a moment I’ll never forget. Music builds connections, and that begins right from birth.”
If you would like to find out more about The Family Music Hub please take a look at their website www.thefamilymusichub.org