From helping young musicians access lessons and instruments to supporting inclusive ensembles and creating new opportunities for children and young people, the generosity of trusts, councils, community groups and individuals has played a vital role in West Sussex Music’s work this year.
As the academic year comes to a close, West Sussex Music is celebrating the incredible support it has received from across the county, with every grant, donation and contribution helping to ensure that more young people can experience the confidence, creativity and connection that comes from making music.
As well as our national funding from the Department for Education, a number of generous supporters have helped remove barriers for young musicians, including funding for the charity’s bursary programme, which provides financial support for families who may otherwise struggle to access music-making opportunities.
Support from organisations including The Arts Society Horsham, The Arts Society Chichester, The Arts Society City of Chichester, and The Boltini Trust has helped young people access musical opportunities through tuition, instrument hire and ensemble participation.
Instrument donations from members of the public have also made a lasting difference. High-quality instruments that may otherwise have remained unused have been given a new life, allowing young musicians to begin or continue their musical journeys with equipment they might not otherwise have been able to access.
Community support has also been instrumental in helping West Sussex Music’s inclusive work continue to grow. Orchestras Inc., the charity’s inclusive SEND orchestra, has benefited from grant support from The Chalk Cliff Trust, Worthing CIL Neighbourhood Fund and Horsham District Council, helping the ensemble provide welcoming and accessible music-making opportunities for children and young people up to the age of 25.
Orchestras Inc. offers participants the chance to play together, develop musical skills, build confidence and form friendships in a supportive environment. For many young people and their families, the ensemble provides a unique opportunity to experience the joy of belonging to a musical group.
James Underwood, Chief Executive of West Sussex Music, said:
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we receive from trusts, councils, community organisations and individuals. Every contribution helps us create more opportunities for children and young people across West Sussex.
“Whether it is funding a bursary place, supporting our inclusive ensembles, helping us provide instruments, or enabling new projects to take place, this support has a direct impact on young people’s lives. Music has the power to build confidence and resilience, bring people together and create a sense of belonging, and our supporters help make those experiences possible.”
West Sussex Music works with thousands of children and young people each year through instrumental and vocal lessons, choirs, orchestras, school projects, performances and inclusive music programmes.
The organisation is continuing to welcome support from individuals and organisations who share its vision of ensuring every child and young person has the opportunity to discover their musical potential.
Whether through financial contributions, grant funding, gift aid, or donating instruments, every supporter helps the next generation of musicians take their first steps, develop their skills and experience the lifelong benefits of music.
To find out more about supporting West Sussex Music, including donating instruments or making a financial contribution go here.
