Belford Music Asscociation

Belford Music Association is a non-profit making group which was set up in 1994 to help to promote music in the Belford area.

With the demise of the “free” county based schools instrumental teaching scheme, the association set up an instrumental scheme in 1996 to supply orchestral instruments to our young people. Since then, about 100 people have bought and learnt to play instruments through the efforts of the association and we currently have about 25 youngsters learning to play a range of instruments both woodwind and brass.

All members of the scheme become members of the St. Mary’s Middle School Community orchestra which gives many concerts throughout the year. We play at local events and for local institutions, our regular visits to the elderly at Bell View being an example.

Our exam successes with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music are also becoming famous with 100% pass rate over the years. We have even had one profoundly deaf child achieve a pass on clarinet at Grade 1. Many of our older students have followed up their music to beyond A level and Grade 8 and they come back to take part in concerts with us. Amy McMeekin, one of our former students is now playing for the Sage orchestra in Gateshead.

This term we are supplying over £1000 worth of instruments to our new starters. We also make funds available to our pre-school music group, the Belford Bouncers. The committee meets three times a year to look at past and future musical events.

  Belford Music Association Minutes - January

The committee recognised the successes of George Opelt, James McDonald, Stuart Munro and William Comber in passing their Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music trumpet exams in November. Well done boys!

In May we plan to enter about 20 children for music exams.

With approximate 20 members Belford Singers will resume in mid February with 3 summer concerts planned.

After a very successful and busy end of year, St. Mary’s Middle School orchestra and choir have planned several concerts this year.

April 1st 2010 – an informal afternoon concert at St. Mary’s Middle School’s Open Afternoon for parents and friends.

May 5th 2010 – an evening concert where pieces will be performed by children preparing for their forthcoming exams.

July 16th 2010 - St. Mary’s Middle School Speech Day – the orchestra is to give a short introductory performance.

July 16th 2010 – a musical contribution will be made to St Mary’s Middle School’s 50th Anniversary evening celebration.

July 21st 2010 – the final concert of the year showcasing Year 8 musicians who will be leaving us to go to their respective high schools.

St. Mary’s Middle School Choir:

Mrs. Brookes has now established a very successful choir at school. From a shaky start with only two pupils showing an interest, the now 20-strong choir performed a range of music at Bell View before Christmas. They also gave a performance at the Pensioners’ Party much to the delight of the audience of 110 local people.

The highlight of the choir’s term was a superb performance at the final carol service in church.

They will be taking part in this year’s musical events.

The instrumental tuition provided for about 25 children continues to flourish. We thank specialist teachers Ian Chadwick and Ray Thompson for their continued efforts.

Belford Woodwind Group continues to meet on Thursday evenings, recently performing in November for the Women’s Guild/Institute in Belford Community Club which was well received and enjoyed by all.

 Hilda Holwell who recently moved to Seahouses had heard about the Association and attended the meeting. She is offering tuition on violin, clarinet and recorder.

 A £250 donation was agreed to be given to St Mary’s Middle School to support a trip to Sage/Music Workshops for Y5 & Y6 in July.

The next meeting will be at 5 Clark Place on 28th April 2010 at 7pm. Anyone is welcome to join us. You do not have to be musical but simply interested in promoting music in the Belford area.