UCAC opposes Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council Music Service Cuts

22 October 2014

UCAC opposes Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council Music Service Cuts  

Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council have announced yesterday their consultation to cut the music service provision for children within the county.  This decision was made following the announcement made by the council of the need to save around £31.2 million in next year's budget (2015/2016). 
 
This music service is responsible for  providing peripatetic music lessons (instrumental and vocal) as well as providing curriculum based music lessons to around 5300 children in schools across the borough.  Also the service provides over 20 weekly after school groups which ensures that young musicians are given the opportunity to participate in orchestras, bands, ensembles and choirs, and all free of charge.  These include the Four Counties Youth Orchestra, Brass Band, String Orchestra and Wind Band. 
 
A Spokesperson on behalf of UCAC said:
 
                "This decision by Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council to cut the music service causes us serious concern for the future of young musicians within the county but also the effect this will have all across Wales. Not only will the children miss out on receiving music lessons of this nature, but also the level of service that has been provided by the Music Service over the years has been of the highest standard."
 
The following services also will be cut:
  • Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music a Trinity London examinations which are held 3 times per year with an accompanist (no charge) 
  • Yearly Musical Festivals: Christmas Music Festival for primary children in Llandaff Cathedral (around 750 children participating)  Schools Music Festival in local theatres (around 1000 children participating)
  • Opportunities for young musicians to perform on stages across the borough and beyond which include  National Museum in Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff, Llandaff Cathedral,  Bury Port Brass Festival, National Festival of Music for Youth in Cwmbran and Cardiff
  • Workshops and projects to schools in partnership with other  departments such as SONIG and Cultural Services ( e.g.: Tonypandy 2010 and Can yr Adeilad) and other organisations such as BBCNOW, Ty Cerdd and Welsh National Opera
For further information, please contact Mererid Lewis Davies on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01970 639 950