Help suppor our young musicians The Observer backs a new campaign to fund music equipment –
We’re teaming up with West Sussex Music to ask you to help equip the young musicians in our communities
Let us introduce to you the only game of musical chairs where people are encouraged to add a chair not to take one away.
It’s the brainchild of West Sussex Music and will support – quite literally – young musicians from across the county.
The charity is looking to equip members of the West Sussex Youth Orchestra with 100 chairs specifically designed for orchestral use.
“Since most of our ensemble musicians spend their time rehearsing and performing while seated, the chair becomes a crucial piece of equipment,” explains West Sussex Music chief executive, James Underwood.
“The chairs we currently use were never intended for musicians and as such don’t promote the proper alignment or freedom of motion necessary for prolonged periods of orchestral use.
“It would be fantastic to be able to equip our young musicians, and future generations, with chairs that support them better and allow them to get the most from their abilities.”
For donations of £200 or more, the chair can have a plaque with the donor’s name. Perhaps you are a company that would like to show your commitment to the community and would like it recognised or where you once in the West Sussex Youth Orchestra and would like to give something back.
The chairs will be used not only by West Sussex Youth Orchestra, but also by Horsham Symphony Orchestra and the National Children’s Orchestra, both of which are now based at Horsham Music Centre, at the College of Richard Collyer. Chairs can be bought by individuals, businesses or collectively by groups of donors.
Visit www.westsussex music.co.uk to make a donation and help support the county’s young musicians.
‘As ensemble musicians spend their time seated, the chair becomes a crucial piece of equipment...’
WEST SUSSEX MUSIC CHIEF EXECUTIVE, JAMES UNDERWOOD