Shropshire Music Service plays a new tune
Parents and school children from across Shropshire are being urged to sign up to a music service that has been totally transformed for a brand-new era.
Shropshire Music Service is working with schools and parents to offer high quality music opportunities for youngsters right across the county.
It was formed over 50 years ago, and the team is extremely proud of its heritage - but plans are under way to revolutionise the organisation to bring it firmly into the 21st Century.
One of the key objectives is to demonstrate that the service isn’t just for those who can afford it, and that it embraces all forms of music-making.
A new a series of ‘Riffs’ workshops has just been launched, designed to encourage budding rock and pop musicians to play the kind of music they all like, and listen to – and meet new friends.
The sessions are open to guitarists, kit players and vocalists and are offered free of charge for the first time, thanks to the support of Bridgnorth-based web company Clickingmad.
The next session will be held at the music centre in Long Meadow, Bayston Hill, on March 25.
Dr Sarah Browne, who leads the Shropshire Music Service team, said: “We have been working hard to make the service much more inclusive, and since our plans were formed, the number of children taking part in our ensemble provision has already increased by 147%.
“This means the number of pupils benefiting from our support has trebled in just the last few months, and our aim is to continue this growth as we move forwards towards an even more exciting future.”
The service provides music education in all kinds of settings – from classrooms to individual instrumental lessons, and through the service’s ensembles and workshops.
“Now we’re introducing and embracing new technology too, and we’re advising schools on how to maximise the opportunities this brings to encourage more young people to get involved,” said Sarah.
“Our ensembles and workshops are free of charge and delivered in all corners of the county, so there’s always something local for youngsters to discover.
“We’re keen to dispel the myth that music-making is only available to those who can afford it, and thanks to the support of generous local businesses, we are now able to reach and support so many more children.”
She added: “We’re keen to deliver as many varied and innovative musical activities as we can to a wide range of children, so we’d love to hear from any other local businesses who feel they could support our efforts, as by working together we can expand our operation still further.”
Shropshire Music Service is running an extensive programme of events in the coming weeks including: discovery days; ensembles (with the support of Arts Council England); Stompers – a beginners’ instrumentalist group in Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Cleobury Mortimer and Wem; and vocal ensembles too.
To find out more visit https://www.shropshiremusicservice.org.uk
