The East Sussex Music Service has put together the display of photographs, concert programmes and tales from generations of musicians following an appeal to former students to come forward with their memories.
Staff at the music service were thrilled with the response from members of the public and former staff and students. One of the items they received was the original programme of the Rural Music Schools Association's 21st Birthday Festival held at the Royal Albert Hall on 18 November 1950. Mary Sharp, who played in the concert for the Sussex Rural Music School and still lives in Bexhill, lent the programme to the music service for the display. Well-known composer Ralph Vaughan Williams wrote a Concerto Grosso to be performed at the concert and was there to hear it performed. Conductor Sir Adrian Boult led the concert which was enjoyed by a prestigious audience including the Queen.
Another coup for the 75th anniversary was contacting Nancie Plummer who was the director of the music school from 1958 to 1984. She now lives in Devon but got in touch to lend many documents for the display, one of which was entitled The East Sussex Rural Music School and advertised lessons to adults and children from all areas of life for the princely sum of 1s 6d for adults and 6d for children.
The collection has been on show at the concerts across the county throughout December and is now in place at the Music Service's headquarters in Mountfield Road, Lewes.
The East Sussex Music Service has been inspiring budding musicians since 1934 when the Rural Schools Music Association moved into Sussex. The RSMA started in Hertfordshire as a result of country dancers needing some musical accompanists from local violinists. Those who could play the violin taught others and eventually this was extended to include other instruments. It was so successful that other counties, including East Sussex, followed suit. The service went from strength to strength and eventually the county changed the name to the East Sussex Music Service.
It now works with a whole range of children and young people no matter what level of talent or backgrounds. As an East Sussex County Council service it provides instrumental and vocal lessons in schools, music centre activities, specialist music courses, a summer school, consultancy and advisory services to parents and students, orchestral and ensemble concerts, award winning regional and county orchestras, bands and choirs.
Another string to the music service's bow is the East Sussex Academy of Music. The academy works with Sussex Downs College to provide a specialist environment where musical young people can study music and music technology A-Levels and AS-Levels and diplomas in Pre Professional Music.
Councillor John Barnes, Chair of the Music Service Management Committee, said: "It is fantastic to see memorabilia which date back to the music service's humble beginnings more than seven decades ago. Stories of how the service has inspired future musicians and the strong memories people have of their experiences of it is testament to how beneficial music is and how well the service is nurturing the talent of East Sussex."
If you would like to see the display of memorabilia contact the Music Service, based at the Performing Arts Building, Sussex Downs College, Mountfield Road, on 01273 336770.
Reference:
2681
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East Sussex County Council