Just don't take away the music (From South Wales Argus)

Just don't take away the music

2:49pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in Letters

MEMBERS of Caerleon Rotary Club are most concerned by the prospect that Newport City Council will reduce its support for the Gwent Music Support Service.

Over many years the Caerleon club has taken a particular interest in the music department of Caerleon Comprehensive School, which is recognised nationally as a centre of excellence for musical education. Its students have taken part with distinction in many national competitions, including the one which Rotary runs. This work has been supported at every stage by the Gwent Music Support Service, with its highly skilled tutors for individual instruments and by funding the special events, which are an essential part of advanced musical education. We would like to emphasise the very great benefit of musical study as a fundamental part of a complete education. In particular, music enriches the lives of those who create it and all who listen to it. Taking away crucial support from such a service would damage the education of every current music student, and reduce the opportunities for future generations to develop their skills and artistic appreciation.

Keith Tayton on behalf of Caerleon Rotary Club