Dear Supporters, Imagine a single day without any music. As you read in my last campaign update, the DfE has unveiled plans to make studying English Baccalaureate subjects compulsory for all secondary school students in the UK. This means that they would have to study English, maths, a science, a language and a humanities subject (defined as only geography or history). Last time this EBacc policy was proposed, the number of pupils studying music dropped dramatically as schools – particularly those under pressure – were struggling to do well in league tables. Therefore, if this EBacc policy becomes compulsory on this occasion, it could have a devastating impact on music in schools. Your support has never been more crucial. I am asking you to please share this campaign and urge everyone who cares about music – be it music education or the music industry – to support the campaign. Everyone listens to music sometimes. Imagine what a single day would be like without any music. And now for more news: as announced earlier in the year, the Don’t Stop the Music campaign has been reinforced by the support of the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ism.org) and the Music Industries Association (mia.org.uk). I am pleased to say that the new Don’t Stop the Music website which is now in the capable hands of the Incorporated Society of Musicians – available at www.dontstopthemusic.co.uk – is now live. On there, you can find the latest updates and details of how to get hold of them for any queries related to the campaign. The ISM will also be running the accompanying Twitter and Facebook pages. You can follow the ISM on Twitter at @ism_music. Please share the new website and the new updates on social media as far and wide as possible. We need as many people as possible seeing this campaign to get the message out about how important music is. Thank you, thank you and thank you again. Best wishes, James PS Don’t forget, spread the word and encourage people to join our campaign; we had a huge success with Ofsted and now we can have a huge success against the EBacc.