In 1989 Mark and Helen Johnson were asked to write a short nativity musical by the headteacher of the primary school where Helen was teaching. 'Off To Bethlehem' was a huge success and within months Mark and Helen were given the opportunity of leaving their jobs to explore and develop their gift in writing music. It was with a deep breath and a big step of faith that Mark and Helen went on to set up their own publishing and production company as a vehicle for distributing their songs to primary schools.
What began with only a tiny desk under the stairs, has grown over 25 years to become a thriving business, which now supplies over 18,000 primary schools and prep schools (not to mention nurseries, churches, theatre groups, etc!) across the UK and countless others around the world. With publishing offices and a warehouse in Middlesex, a recording studio in Sussex and with an associate office in Australia, 'Out Of The Ark' is reaching out to the corners of the earth with good, positive songs, that everyone will enjoy.
Out of the Ark Music was born out of a passionate belief that children deserve the very best.
After 25 years and over 1,000 songs in the Out of the Ark catalogue, Mark and Helen are still enthusiastic about writing and are keen to develop the potential that music has in the context of education and beyond. They receive hundreds of wonderful letters and phone calls each year from those who have caught the vision and share the enthusiasm.
Natalie is a Music and Performing Arts co-ordinator for primary schools. Working with infant children on a daily basis gives her clear insight into their musical capabilities and what makes them tick in general. A keen singer herself, she leads an adult ‘a capella’ choir and also works with the Out of the Ark Choir on their various recording projects.
which was commissioned and performed by the Hallé orchestra and Children’s Chorus.
Currently we do not have any openings at Out of the Ark Music.
Out of the Ark Music is home to the very best singing resources for primary schools and nurseries. Our extensive range of songbooks all come with audio CDs and many of our titles also have our brilliant Words on Screen™ software - ideal for rehearsals or performances.
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