Music centres across West Sussex to go online from September

With COVID-19 continuing to reshape the world, Horsham-based West Sussex Music Trust has announced it will be moving its Music Centre offering online from September to “ensure that the county’s young musicians can continue to benefit from high-quality ensemble experiences, albeit in a virtual way.”
James Underwood Chief Executive West Sussex MusicJames Underwood Chief Executive West Sussex Music
James Underwood Chief Executive West Sussex Music

West Sussex Music chief executive James Underwood said: “Until such time as the charity can resume face-to-face teaching, 12 virtual ensembles will be on offer.

“These will include string, wind and big band ensembles, as well as three contemporary groups (keyboard, guitar and rock) and two choirs.

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“Open to any student in the county who sings or plays an instrument to the required minimum grade level, these opportunities extend the West Sussex Music offering to those who may not have previously been able to access a Music Centre, bringing together Music Centre members and non-Music Centre members alike.

“During the last four extraordinary months, West Sussex Music has been unable to provide the usual range of lessons, ensembles, projects and concerts. We realise that for young musicians, as well as our teachers, this has been a very quiet and dispiriting time so it is great to be able to let people know about our upcoming plans.”

“The experience of a summer term with no rehearsals, concerts or overseas tour is one we hope never to go through again. COVID-19 put a halt to our usual delivery and has created a challenging outlook for 2020-21 but despite the turmoil caused and the difficult decisions that had to be made, I am optimistic that we are doing everything possible to ensure that we can continue to support the ambitions of West Sussex’s young musicians.

“More than ever, I am certain that music will play a vital role in helping to heal the damage caused to young people by this crisis.”

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Virtual ensembles will run for ten weeks. beginning with an introductory session for students and their parents or carers on Saturday, September 19, Monday, September 21 or Thursday, September 24, Membership subscription is £60 for one ensemble and £100 for two.

“Sessions will be led and conducted by West Sussex Music’s experienced musicians, teachers and performers. A full list of ensemble opportunities and details of how to apply can be found on the West Sussex Music website www.westsussexmusic.co.uk.”

James added: “West Sussex Music has been working hard to find ways to survive the financial impact of coronavirus. As well as grant funding from Arts Council England, the charity is grateful for donations to the Virtual Music Centre from The Arts Society Chichester, The Arts Society City of Chichester and the Arts Society Lavant Valley. If you would like to support the work of the charity, which also plays a valued role as the music education hub for West Sussex, then your donation would make a huge difference, especially at this challenging time.

“West Sussex Music is the largest provider of high-quality music education to children and young people in West Sussex, offering vocal projects, whole-class ensemble tuition, instrumental and vocal tuition and advice and support for schools as well as a comprehensive range of musical activities at its five Music Centres.”

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