Foundation seeks donations to help young musicians

May 20 2011 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Foundation seeks donations to help young musicians

DURING Perth Festival of the Arts, school orchestras across Perth and Kinross are given the opportunity to be part of the programme through the daily lunchtime concerts in St John’s Kirk, writes Alison Anderson.

The pupils’ musical skills are appreciated by good-sized audiences, and some of these young musicians even go on to pursue successful careers in music on an international stage.

Yet for some, the benefits of playing a musical instrument and being a member of an orchestra are only possible thanks to help from the Perth and Kinross Music Foundation.

The charity, administered by a committee of volunteers, is committed to giving financial help to young instrumental musicians.

Their mantra of “letting our children play” has helped some 75 young people each year since the charity was funded in 1997.

This help has allowed them to continue their instrumental tuition and take part in Central Music Groups.

But now the foundation itself is needing donations to help it continue its worthwhile work.

PKMF was re-launched yesterday at the start of the schools’ concert series during Perth Festival – but chairperson Sigurd Scott issued a blunt warning.

“We will not be able to continue to help young people if we do not get more money,” he said.

“So we are starting our campaign during these Festival concerts in St John’s so people coming in will see our new banner and can read our leaflets telling them about PKMF and how they can help.”

Sigurd, a founding PKMF committee member and a highly-respected figure on the local music scene, added: “There are youngsters who will be playing at Perth Festival because of the foundation.

“Playing a musical instrument lets children grow in confidence as individuals, learn self-discipline and life-enhancing skills and, above all, experience the sheer joy of making music.

“Youngsters helped by the foundation can range from primary school pupils to those leaving secondary school.

“PKMF was set up in 1997 when the council upped the fees for instrumental tuition from £50 to about £150.

“Those fees are now £300, and that is a lot for many families to have to find. They are the ones who can apply for a grant.

“The grant goes direct to the council, so not a penny is wasted.

“We have managed to give awards this year, but now the foundation’s coffers are empty.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation, or find out more about PKMF can email the secretary on sheila_herron@tiscali.co.uk or call 01577 864015.

l The free lunchtime school concerts in St John’s Kirk start at 12.30pm. Schools participating this year are: yesterday – The Community School of Auchterarder; today – Morrison’s Academy; Monday – various Perthshire schools; Tuesday – Perth High; Wednesday - Kilgraston; Thursday – Perth Academy; Friday – St John’s Academy.