Tories urged: Don't stop the music (Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats)

Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats <info@cambslibdems.org.uk>

Tories urged: Don't stop the music

March 31, 2011 10:40 AM

Lucy, Peter and Helena Nethsingha Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats are launching a campaign to prevent the Tories silencing the music for thousands of youngsters across the county.

Last month the Tories voted to cut the £239,000 subsidy Cambridgeshire County Council gives to Cambridgeshire Music Service.

Now they may withhold the central government grant as well even though it is given specifically for music.

Lib Dems fear the lack of funding could put the county's four music academies, Cambridgeshire Youth Orchestra and music lessons at serious risk.

Cambridgeshire Lib Dem Deputy Leader, Peter Downes is a past chair of the Cambridgeshire Youth Orchestra and his son who is a musician in Scotland, learnt to play with the Cambridgeshire Music Service.

He said: "It is vital that we give our youngsters the chance to learn to play music. If we are to give them as many opportunities as we can, it should be as important as the other subjects they are taught in schools.

"Cambridgeshire Youth Orchestra has offered many talented young musicians the opportunity to enjoy music, showcase their skills and go further. My son's love of music came from the lessons he had in Cambridge.

"We must not deny future generations the opportunity to make music a part of their lives. This would be a very short sighted decision."

Lib Dem Spokesperson for Children and Young People. Lucy Nethsingha (pictured with her children Peter and Helena) said: "It was thought that Cambridgeshire Music Service could survive the loss of the county council grant so long as it could rely on the government money. But if the Tories take away the government money, they could be denying thousands of youngsters the opportunity to take part in music."

Cambridgeshire Music Service has played a key role in giving all children the chance to learn a musical instrument.

Area music academies run by the service, also provide the opportunity for children of all ages and abilities to perform in groups. The four academies provided ensembles for players from Grade 1 - 8 in classical music, jazz, folk music and samba bands.

These academies are free for children whose schools buy tuition from Cambridgeshire Music Service and available for all other children at a modest termly fee.

Lib Dems plan to launch their campaign, Save Cambridgeshire Music Service, on Saturday (April 2) at 12.30pm at Cambridge's Shire Hall.