Following the publishing of Ensemble 100, (edited, designed and produced by Keith Ayling), the issue was shortlisted for Association Magazine of the Year! On the 31st March Keith & Kate Ayling attended the awards ceremony at London’s Hurlingham Club.
Ensemble 100 is a compilation edition of the MMA’s flagship members’ publication covering in-depth advice on every area that a school music department would need to consider.
The issue was distributed in the Autumn of 2016 to teaching members, corporate members as well as a large number of prospective teaching members at schools around the UK, raising the profile of the MMA. It was followed by a central London event to celebrate the milestone, together with recognition of the 116 years of the association.
The publication was then recognised and shortlisted along with magazines from other prominent member associations for Association Magazine of the Year. The Awards ceremony was hosted by BBC TV’s Louise Minchin, with special guests ‘Sons of Pitches’. The a capella group, who found fame as winners of Gareth Malone’s The Naked Choir in 2015, were stunningly entertaining showing both traditional and modern repertoire with a comic edge – perfect for an after-dinner event.
It was an honour to be considered for this award and it recognises the advances that Ensemble has made over the last nine years since I took over as editor. The magazine has been transformed, now perfect bound with different print stocks, matt lamination and gold foiling as well as in-house and commissioned articles and exclusive interviews from the music and teaching world. It has been acclaimed many times as one of the most respected music education magazines in the UK and this shortlisting confirms the fact.
It is always disappointing not to win an award, but in this case the MMA were beaten by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and their national media agency ‘Think’. (Ensemble Magazine is produced by one person).
It was particularly gratifying to receive the judge’s feedback:
“A timeless publication that deeply touches its membership: varied content; teaching tips; interviews with leading musicians; designed to inspire teachers and clearly loved by members. The magazine shows what can be done by one passionate member of staff who understands the needs of the membership.
A high quality, very professional magazine, read across the membership with excellent design, clarity and good alignment with association aims.”
