Service Development Plan - Di Rivaud will distribute a draft copy of this plan to the board via email.

2008/9 Proposals - Graham Bland gave a brief update. The work is underway for the project concerning the feasibility of continuing with `Direct' and `Non-Direct' billing. The following people are involved in this project which is being led by Fiona Kivett: Di Rivaud, Graham Bland, Caroline Clapperton, Keith Thomas, Kirsten Wordley, Madeleine Casson and Glyn Bowen.

JUMPS - David Waddilove has resigned as project manager. Take Art have decided to leave JUMPS.

Youth Music have had problems with Music Passport consultation as the website is not deemed as being entirely safe. Graham Bland will not be taking this any further or promoting this due to this issue. Youth Music will be reframing the project.

Charging Regulations - David Hayward commented that there has been a 15% increase in fees from September. Some people were unaware of this and it has created tension. Richard Randall is to meet with anyone that has these concerns.

Graham Bland's vision for the future is that Primary schools could receive 1 years free Wider Opportunity music tuition on the provision that after the 1 year that they then move into smaller groups (max 15 pupils) for either 30 or 45 minutes. One question that was raised from this was how to get secondary schools involved.

The Board all voted in Doug Campbell for the position of Chairman.

There are 3 trustees presently. It is proposed that there should be 8/9 trustees on the Somerset Music Trust.

Graham Bland is to meet with Fiona Kivett to discuss sending a letter to all members of the Board informing them that there will be a meeting 2 weeks prior to the next Somerset Board Meeting to discuss the appointment of trustees on the Somerset Music Trust.

The proposed trustees will go through a skills audit, which will be stated in the letter that will be sent out by Fiona Kivett and Graham Bland.

Graham Bland gave a presentation on his trip to Africa with Madeleine Casson. They spent a week in Phokwane in the Limpopo region where they spent a lot of time with teachers and pupils supported by the Music for Africa Charity.

Graham's plans for the future are to have the older teacher/students of the MFA to come over to Somerset and communicate with secondary schools in Somerset. In particular to have Elsie Mahloko of the MFA to come and visit Wells. Graham suggested that each County Councillor donated £10 towards her air fare to make this possible.

Graham has agreed to be a trustee for the MFA.

Vivian Wilson suggested that schools are informed about the MFA band and to discuss the possibility of organising a fundraiser to fund the cost of bringing the band over to perform in Somerset Schools. Vivian Wilson will be contacting the MFA in regards to this.

The MFA are producing excellence due to large group tuition, this is mainly due to their situation and the fact that they are self-relying.

Di Rivaud visited a school in Cornwall where there are pupils receiving music therapy. She will show a video demonstrating music therapy in action at the next meeting.

As a service Somerset Music should be looking towards Cornwall as an example of a good practice. Plans for the future are to visit schools also using music therapy in Cambridgeshire.

Di Rivaud informed the Board that Hazel Luckwill has been appointed as the new Music Therapist.

Doug Campbell suggested that it would be beneficial for the Board to meet Hazel Luckwill once she has settled in.

When dealing with specialist children, schools need to be informed of the provisions they need to provide.

The theme for the concert this year is Medieval Renaissance. The content will include 2 schools from each region, 1 special school, SCYCB, SCYC and massed items.

One issue that was raised with the Board members was the seating arrangements and the lack of space. Graham Bland and Di Rivaud will be contacting Kate Cole in regards to this.

Graham Bland advised the board that all schools will be informed of the seating situation for the concert to prevent any upset on the night.

Graham Bland presented an update on Somerset Music's Trading Position.

Currently there are 34 schools in Somerset receiving direct billed tuition, 107 schools that are receiving non-direct tuition and 63 schools that are receiving direct and non-direct tuition.

Figures show that there has been an increase in the amount of pupils that have special educational needs receiving tuition.

The income that Somerset Music generated during 2006/07 was £1,091,838.70. This was through tuition, instrument hire and advisory work. During 2007/08 Somerset Music expects to generate an income of £1,127,355.60 for the same factors.

David Hayward put forward that as a member of the Board he would like to receive a report on achievements of Somerset Music groups such as ensembles.

Graham Bland wants to book for Elise Mahloko from the MFA to visit Somerset for Christmas 2008.

Directions for the next Board meeting to be sent out to all members of the Board.