Inspiring teachers making lifelong musical memories
Hundreds of thousands of children have enjoyed music lessons over the years thanks to West Sussex Music.
What they learn remains a valuable and enjoyable skill throughout their lives, whether or not they choose to continue with the instrument they start with.
For some, it has propelled them onto the stage or the studio as a professional musician or into a career as a music teacher or leader.
Wendy Cooper, then Wendy Quiafe, was a student at Hazelwick School in Crawley when she was given a violin by her parents aged just seven and told she would be starting lessons. It sparked a love of music which led her to also take up the viola and study at Trinity College of Music.
Now almost 60, she runs the Crawley Music Centre, the county’s oldest music centre which opened in 1967, where she and her siblings had their own lessons.
“I was always going to be a teacher,” Wendy says. “They inspired me so much and I was so jealous of them for being so clever and being able to play so well.”
Now the boot is on the other foot, with the children she teaches providing daily inspiration for her.
“I see their smiling faces and I know why I do this job,” she says. “When you have really gifted pupils it’s just so wonderful. But the most important thing is to inspire a love of music in all the children, that is a very valuable gift.”
Wendy’s siblings also attended Crawley Music Centre. Her mother Margaret Quaife said: “So much has been achieved and so many lives enriched by the work of West Sussex Music.”
I myself learnt the violin at primary and secondary school in Horsham. Sitting alongside my teacher Mrs Loveridge in the orchestra pit at the Capitol during our musical productions at Tanbridge remains among my strongest and favourite memories of school life.
Playing with the ensembles as a teenager was great fun, taught me some valuable life skills about team work and listening and left me with a lifelong appreciation for orchestral music.
Now I’m busy rediscovering the joys of playing thanks to my two children who have also taken up violin lessons at school. I may be rusty, but it’s wonderful to be able to play together and watch their delight as they improve.
West Sussex Music would love to hear memories of past pupils who have enjoyed their lessons, ensembles and trips over the years. You can share your tales on its Facebook page West Sussex Music Alumni.
Cornet player and percussionist Jamie Rowsell said he cherished all his memories of the music centre, which was a huge part of his growing up.
“It was such a unique
experience, and definitely helped shape me into who I am today,” he said.
“I’m so grateful for all the time the staff and volunteers put into us students and also for the exposure to such a wide variety of music.”
Professional cellist Alexandra Marshall said: “I owe so much of my musical knowledge and experience to the team and really owe my tutors more than I could ever repay them!”