Primary schools in central Warwickshire to come alive with the sound of music
Warwickshire County Council is giving every 8-year-old in the county the chance to learn a musical instrument for free.
From the start of the Autumn term the County Council’s Music Service will offer the opportunity for every primary school in the county to receive free musical tuition for their Year 4 pupils.
The initiative, which is called ‘Wider Opportunities’, started as a pilot scheme five years ago involving 16 schools and 8 teachers. Due to the generous support for music in the county, Warwickshire is one of the few local authorities in Britain to offer ‘Wider Opportunities’ completely free of charge.
Since 2003 more than 10,000 children across the county have had a taster of all sorts of different musical instruments ranging from classical violin to the steel pans.
As an Artsmark Gold school, Sydenham Primary School in Leamington recognises the importance of creativity across the curriculum and has been involved in the Wider Opportunities programme.
Headteacher Juliette Westwood said: “We jumped at the chance to be involved in the Wider Opportunities programme and music is a subject for celebration in our school. The children at Sydenham really enjoy their weekly music and singing lessons and there are no financial implications for parents and carers. “
“The programme has built on the children’s musical experiences, and offered them the chance to develop their ability by learning how to play an instrument. Wider Opportunities has inspired children to take up instrumental tuition on a regular basis and class teachers have been inspired by working alongside specialist colleagues. It has been wonderful when the whole school community has been involved in the musical performances.”
The Wider Opportunities scheme also gives pupils the opportunity to perform in a concert alongside more established groups, so they can to see what they might be able to achieve if they take up music more regularly.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families, said: “We are delighted to offer all 8-year-olds the chance to get involved in musical activities. This scheme is about giving children from all backgrounds the opportunity to discover and develop their talents. Playing a musical instrument not only brings great enjoyment but it helps children to enhance their learning, self esteem and concentration.”
Under the scheme, each primary school is offered free tuition and instruments for the Wider Opportunities year. The County Music Service also offers free ensemble tuition through its Area Music Centres including choirs, wind bands and orchestras and groups for brass, woodwind, strings, percussion, steel pans, guitars and recorders.
All the Music Service asks schools for in return is the full involvement of a class teacher, support for music as part of their school improvement programme and to build up their stock of musical instruments.