Published: Friday, 9th May, 2008 16:00
Maestros launch sponsor scheme
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Musical youth: Students take part in a workshop.
LEARNING a musical instrument can be one of the most rewarding hobbies for a child – and the most expensive.
In today’s world, the opportunities to pick up an oboe, cello or bassoon are increasingly limited.
But help is at hand from the Berkshire Maestros. Formerly the Berkshire Young Musicians Trust, which was created under the now-defunct Berkshire County Council, the organisation opens up new avenues for children keen to immerse themselves in music, whether it be a hobby while they are growing or as a prelude to a career.
Fittingly, the organisation has just appointed a new chief executive, Philip Litchfield, who was the county music coordinator for Berkshire.
Mr Litchfield (pictured right) said: “To me, and I have got two daughters who have learnt to play a musical instrument, it’s the fun and enjoyment children get from learning an instrument.
“I am a great believer that music has a great part to play in building up self-confidence and self-esteem.
“We offer something that schools themselves cannot offer and that is expertise. We have time to teach them and have got the facilities to do it.”
Berkshire Maestros works with the unitary authorities to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument and to sing; organises bands, choirs, orchestras and groups across the county; supports and extends the most gifted and talented young musicians and provides a wide range of activities for pre-school children.
More than 7,500 young people learn to play musical instruments with the Maestros every week, including 1,000 in Bracknell Forest and a similar amount in Wokingham. Some of the most talented musicians go on to the major conservatoires in London to pursue their careers.
Lessons are taught at the Brakenhale Open Learning Centre in Bracknell, although some teaching is done in school too.
The majority of funding comes from central government and businesses but Mr Litchfield is keen to encourage more children, particularly of primary school and pre-school age, to take up music.
This is why he is launching the organisation’s ‘Sponsor a Child’ scheme, whereby businesses or individual benefactors can pay for a child’s musical education.
He said: “The big thing I want to do, and in a way it’s my passion, is to offer the opportunity to children and young people who, in the past, haven’t thought to take up playing a musical instrument because of financial reasons.
“This is where our
sponsor a child scheme comes in.”
To find out more about this, or the Berkshire Maestros in general, call 0118 901 2361 or visit www.berkshire
maestros.org.uk
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