A music school hit by £300,000 in funding cuts is bouncing back – with rock and pop sessions.
Kirklees Music School, more renowned for its orchestras and ensembles, was forced to axe its centres in Huddersfield and Cleckheaton after Kirklees Council cash was lost.
The school, led by principal Thom Meredith, helps hundreds of young people learn instruments and achieve their musical ambitions.
Now the slimmed down school, which has five centres across Kirklees, is branching out for the new term.
Rock and pop lessons will kick off at the Netherhall Learning Campus at Rawthorpe – for adults as well as children – while at the other end of the age range the school is launching musical sessions for toddlers for the first time.
Mr Meredith said: “Kirklees Music School is well known for the high quality of its teaching, orchestras and ensembles. What is perhaps less well known is that we have excellent specialist rock, pop and music technology teachers working in Kirklees schools.
“It’s a comparatively new discipline and many adults wouldn’t have had the chance to learn electric guitar or had rock band coaching when they were at school but now is their chance.”
The rock sessions, open to all ages, includes: Rock Band, Amp It Up Vocals (guided choir and solo singing) and Adult Electric Guitar.
Meanwhile the toddlers’ group, called Songbirds, will aim to help children develop a feeling for the pulse and rhythm of music from an early age. It will be led by primary music teacher Debbie Hemingway.
When the Huddersfield centre closed the Huddersfield Music Centre Parents’ Association ensured a musical legacy lived on by making a donation towards the purchase of equipment for the School of Rock and Pop.
The five remaining music centres, based at Colne Valley, Holme Valley, Mirfield, Shelley and Batley, will continue to provide opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities across Kirklees with orchestras, bands, choirs and groups.
The School of Rock and Pop runs on Wednesday nights during term-time while Songbirds is on Saturday mornings.
For more ring 01484 426426 or e-mail enquiries@kirkleesmusicschool.org.uk
