Marc Jaffrey has been given an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.  The award is in recognition of his services to education.

Marc took on the role of Music Manifesto Champion in 2004 to campaign for improvements in music education in schools and communities. He led a team drawn from the music industry, the arts and education to influence government policy and unlock record levels of funding for young people’s music making.

Thanks to Marc’s leadership, millions more children now have the opportunity to play instruments and sing. “I feel privileged to have worked with an amazing team of people who are as passionate as I am about music and its importance to a child’s development.”

“Music has the power to inspire, enrich and transform a young person’s experience of learning. It is fun, it gives us all a lift and it brings out the creative individual in us all. I am proud to be honoured in this way. Our music education system and our music industry are world leaders. This award recognises the brilliant work being done by thousands of people around the country to keep Britain musical. Music is working for children, our young people and our nation as a whole.”

Darren Henley, Managing Director of Classic FM and Chairman of the Music Manifesto, says he’s delighted by Marc’s award.  ”Without his tireless efforts, many of the landmark changes in music education over the past few years would simply not have happened.”

marc.jaffrey@thinkagainmedia.co.uk

Photo by Hazel Thompson

Happy Xmas and the best for the New Year from all of us at Think Again. It’s been a pleasure to work with you all through 2009 and next year is already shaping up to be even busier and more exciting.

In particular, standby for one piece of news coming very, very soon.

Have a peaceful and safe holiday season, and see you all in January.

(photo by our brilliant and award-winning colleague Hazel Thompson)