Helping musical youth

Aug 19 2008 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

YOUNG people in Perth and Kinross are continuing to benefit from opportunities to enjoy music by singing and learning a range of instruments through the Youth Music Initiative, according to a report to the Lifelong Learning Committee tomorrow.

Funding has been provided from central government for the last five years to enable every primary school pupil to have at least one year's free music tuition by the time they go into their P6 class.

In Perth and Kinross, the Youth Music Initiative has been aimed at fostering an interest in music among pupils and giving them the chance to develop that interest through school or local community groups.

The report highlights the success over the past year of the initiative with strong interest and high uptake by pupils.

For the coming school year, the initiative will focus on:

1 Continued delivery of the six Saturday music schools, based at secondary schools across the local area;

2 Further diversification of the music service, with particular focus on guitar, vocal and traditional music tuition;

3 Support to encourage traditional piping locally;

- increased access to music activities for rural pupils through support for transport;

4 Further development of the Jambouree Choir and maintaining and developing the WannaB project for young local rock and pop musicians in partnership with Perth College.

Lifelong Learning vice-convener, Councillor George Hayton said: “The Youth Music Initiative has been a major success in our schools, encouraging a growing and very positive interest among our young people.

“We are keen to continue the positive achievements made over the last five years and maintain our commitment to promoting cultural opportunities for local communities.”