Proud legacy

I read the letter from my former colleague, director of music Neil Bell (Letters, 4 November) with interest and concur with his support of CEMS and analysis of the misguided ECC proposals to “disperse” it.

I too am well placed to comment as the retired music specialist in charge of the primary specialist music unit at Flora Stevenson School when it first started in 1980 under Lothian Region.

This was in response to the Cameron Report (SED 1976) which recommended that the educational needs of outstanding talent in music and dance should be met in Scotland within the comprehensive system.

The LR Scheme (now continued as COEMS) provided for the full educational needs of musically gifted children of all ages on the split campus of two schools (Flora Stevenson and its feeder high school Broughton) and was founded on the premise that specialist provision can and should be made available within the social and educational framework of a normal school (LSMS publicity leaflet).

The music unit at Flora Stevenson School was then, and still is, unique in the UK for this provision in the state sector.

There was initial short-sighted prejudice from many quarters in the city when we began, largely due to the preponderance of fee-paying schools in Edinburgh and the type of inverted snobbery referred to by other correspondents, but we persevered.

In my 20 years there, I worked closely with two directors of music at Broughton High School, a team of excellent instrumental teachers, supportive class teachers and several headteachers, all of whom helped to establish the provision long-term alongside mainstream education.

The talents of the pupils were showcased and integrated at every opportunity with non-specialist pupils via twice yearly recitals, public concerts, television and radio opportunites.

Flora’s choir undertook a complete STV Christmas show in the late 80s. Pupils performed for Childline at the Usher Hall and for the Queen at St Giles’ during the CHOGM meeting of 1998 – at the behest of the then ECC – which valued our contribution and expertise and the enhancement our pupils gave to the bands, orchestras and other music groups throughout the city.

I am very pleased that the COEMS has continued to flourish with the further investment of new, purpose-built premises at both schools as well as acquiring the status of a Steinway piano school.

COEMS is now one of four flagship state music specialist schools in Scotland and is funded by a Scottish Government grant.

It is unthinkable, therefore, that Edinburgh City Council should now be proposing closure of this national facility for short-sighted budgetary savings. I am profoundly and utterly dismayed that the inspiring work of many people in the last 37 years has been threatened.

Taking the long view when undertaking the training of young gifted children is essential – something we don’t see with “instant” fame and talent shows on TV – but it is the view shared by the many press articles of support in the last week from so many notable music professionals of world standing.

I trust Edinburgh City Council will take these on board when it meets again. MOIRA REEKIE, MA, GRSM Mallard Grove

Dunfermline