I AM compelled to write in response to the growing number of authorities who would tell us they have to make savings by cutting musical instrumental lessons in schools. They should be aware that they are not saving – they are squandering. Scotland's instrumental service in schools has been among the best in the world and if these drastic cuts are made, they will have a lasting effect on our musical culture of all genres.
I can speak from experience. After graduating from the RSAMD I taught brass instruments in schools for almost 40 years. In the early years of my teaching the far-seeing music organiser in Ayrshire, James M Clark, decided that every secondary school along with its feeder primaries should have brass tuition and that at weekends they should combine with other schools. The result was that about six area bands were formed. I was given the responsibility of forming the North Ayrshire Schools' band comprising pupils from Largs and the Garnock Valley – neither of which had a brass band heritage (outwith the Salvation Army). Indeed in 1981 the winners of the British youth band competition in the Royal Albert Hall were the 50-strong Kilmarnock schools with the 48 boys and girls of North Ayrshire schools coming 4th.
Most of the children who took part were from families with little or no musical background, so parents and family friends became involved and were introduced to musical cultures previously unknown to them.
Over the years we played on the radio and television. We played at the Glasgow Garden Festival, on the stage of the new Glasgow Concert Hall for the City of Culture celebrations and even at the launching of a ship. We did six tours in Europe mixing with other musicians from Germany Switzerland and France. I'm sure that these events and experiences would have a lasting effect on young people by broadening their horizons in ways that would be hard to replicate.
A number, but by no means the majority of pupils, went on to play in bands and orchestras in all parts of the world. For most, however, learning music was discipline which helped produce social skills and habits vital in the development of better adults.
My theme has been based on my own experience of teaching brass instruments. There is no question that the same has applied to every aspect of musical education in schools over the years.
Much has been made of the lasting effect that teachers' strikes in the 1970s had on sport in this country. These cuts will undoubtedly have at least as much effect on music.
Hugh Brennan, Kilbirnie.
THE study of music, as well as widening horizons, has been proven to improve scholastic prowess.
In recent years, most Scottish councils have introduced music tuition fees, resulting in a drop in those participating, particularly those from less well-off households.
In recent years, pass rates in Higher and Advanced Higher have dropped, with figures suggesting an increased gap between pupils from comfortable and those from less well-off backgrounds.
Elspeth Russell, Hamilton.
RUTH Marr (Letters, February 25) lists a host of innovations in education introduced by the SNP, including free school meals for primaries 1-3, school clothing grants of up to £100, upgraded schools and more. All of these are commendable. She also mentions a record number of students enrolled in Scottish universities but fails to mention that the Scottish Funding Council has run out of money, resulting in fewer Scottish students gaining places in our universities, although they have the necessary qualifications. Our Scottish universities are strapped for cash and are forced to take more non-Scottish students who can pay the fees. Also Scottish students whose parents can afford to pay the fees are being excluded in order to allow students who cannot pay the fees to be admitted.
In addition, Ms Marr fails to mention the extremely disappointing Highers results as reported by you "Cuts in specialist support blamed for poor exam results", The Herald, February 22) Most concerning are the English, maths, physics, chemistry, biology and history results in the last two years.
Nicola Sturgeon has constantly pledged that education is a key priority yet schools are in crisis. This is indeed far from perfect.
How long is it going to take the SNP to improve our standards in education?It has had 13 years to try to improve education, long enough by any standards. When will we regain our once-proud educational standing in the world?
Gordon Taylor, Wishaw.
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