West Sussex Music honours five years of solo work

Friends and partners of West Sussex Music gathered at Collyer’s College last week for the Horsham-based charity’s annual hub partners meeting.

The guests enjoyed an evening of music and celebration as the Trust reflected, not just on the many high-quality musical opportunities offered to children and young people over the last 12 months, but also on five years of being an independent charitable company.

James Underwood, chief executive at West Sussex Music, said: “Suffice to say, the initiative has been a great success and I am hugely proud of where we are today.

“We have continued to nurture, inspire and enrich the lives of children though the transformational power of music as well as expanding our range of specialist support for schools.

“I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all those who have helped and supported us along the way,” he added.

The event also marked the partnership between West Sussex Music and Collyer’s which has already resulted in a new venue for Horsham Music Centre and the West Sussex youth orchestras and choirs.

In addition, the move has facilitated two further key partnerships, with Horsham Symphony Orchestra and the National Children’s Orchestra, both of which are also now based at Collyer’s.

Sally Bromley, Principal at Collyer’s, said: “When I heard the County Ensembles and Horsham Music Centre may be looking for a new home, I immediately thought of Collyer’s.

“We’re perfectly located, had the requisite space and a passion to promote music education and performance across all ages.”

Mrs Bromley added: “Our partnership has proved really successful over the last few months. My staff are commenting on how lovely it is to hear the sound of instruments from trumpet to timpani practised across the campus after day time classes have ended.”

West Sussex Music is the largest provider of high-quality music education to children and young people in West Sussex, offering a comprehensive range of musical activities at its five music centres.

Through its curriculum support, professional development opportunities and facilitating role, the charity builds music into the very fabric of school life; supporting schools and teachers to achieve the best possible outcomes for pupils, their families and the community.

A not-for profit independent company limited by Guarantee with Charitable Status, West Sussex Music’s musical opportunities for children and young people are funded by income from parents, schools and the National Music Grant, administered by Arts Council England.

For over 50 years, West Sussex Music has supported projects that enable access to cultural opportunities for disadvantaged and disaffected young people through its strategic partnerships with other arts and cultural organisations.