What a very great pity this has happened to such a wonderful service. Both our sons have come through the DPA music system, both learning brass instruments.

Our first son began at the age of 8 and is now in his second year at Wolverhampton University studying music performance. He still has DPA post-16 tuition, plays in two bands, mentors in the senior bands, and has thoroughly enjoyed work experience and performing at Himley festival. His career aim is to be a peripatetic music teacher. He is studying for his music diploma and is tying this in with his dissertation.

Our second son again began at the age of 8 and is now in his first year of GCSEÕs, one of which is music. His school currently funds a fifteen minute lesson and myself and my husband fund an extra fifteen minutes as his teacher feels he is very talented. I have phoned the secondary school and asked whether this arrangement will continue. It seems hopeful but, again, this depends on school budget. So we have to wait and see. He also plays in the bands and has DPA theory lessons.

They have both enjoyed their experiences in lessons and bands with DPA, and have learnt a great deal. One has been abroad with them, they have both been on residentials and they have both progressed in exams and entered competitions. They have both played at the Symphony Hall! Many special memories! It will be a shame if other children cannot have the same opportunities.

One concern is how much the school may charge? Some parents may find that if the charge is double they may not be able to afford this in the current climate.

Another concern is what is going to happen with a pupil in a school who is the only student of a particular musical instrument family, eg the only brass, string or guitar player. The school is unlikely to buy an hour block, and the parent(s) would not be able or want to pay for an hourÕs tuition. They may also not want to take the child out of academic lessons for an hour particularly if the subject was maths or science for example.

What is going to happen to such a child?

• Are DPA staff going to be able to teach that child privately and then that child will be able to enter the excellent band structure?
• If DPA staff are not able to teach that child privately and so that child, who is currently learning with DPA, goes to an outside private tutor, are they going to be encouraged and able to join the band structure?

A big concern is the continuity of progression of musicians through the band system. Dudley has an excellent structure, one which the pupils relish, commit to, learn from and gain a unique experience. They obviously learn different music styles, they learn discipline and to be a member of a team. They put their energy into something very worthwhile. The staff put so much time and effort into the bands, it would be unthinkable for this to diminish, for everyone. It gives such pleasure to families and friends in all aspects.

Then there are the staff and also the parents Ð how concerned and sad must they feel to see such a wonderful service have such a massive budget cut Ð the children of the borough are the worst hit, the staff are not secure and the parents are worried. How many people have an association with music Ð everyone. There is music in every form and style, continually and for a multitude of purposes and enjoyment. Not everyone has the talent to make and create music, but some of ones that do are in danger of being badly affected by this.

DPA provides an excellent service which has been very much appreciated by pupils and their families.

I have no objections to paying a subscription to the bands, presumably this would also help with room hire, but the financial implications for parents could be quite high,

I am sure DPA must have the support of all the parents, and hopefully they will all know that this is the time to show their support on paper, but with such short timescales it is possible that not all possible support will be voiced.

With best wishes, support and thanks to all the staff, musicians, Friends of DPA and other people involved.

David and Dilys Bytheway

Dear Friends of DPA,

I am utterly horrified of the thought that my children's music tuition may come to an end.  My kids have been part of Dudley Performing Arts for a good number of years now and have thoroughly enjoyed every moment.  They are both taking music lessons and are both part of music groups.  I was absolutely stunned to discover that the Himley Festival had been cancelled.  From an outside point of view, every year the Festival is thriving with performers and paying guests and certainly gives the impression that a large amount of money changes hands.  Can we really afford not to hold the festival.  Maybe it would be in order to increase the price of the tickets slightly, or perhaps not offer the package deals.  At the end of the day most parents are only too happy to pay to watch their child perform in front of crowds of people and show off their talents.  Perhaps it would be in order to reduce the content of the festival.  I fail to see how the Festival could possibly take place inside Dudley Concert Hall??  I am appalled that the council are willing to cut out some of the areas best selling points.  Not only do DPA music groups bring wonderful performances to the area but they also help to keep children off the streets by giving them somewhere to go and a purpose in life.

My family have been associated with DPA for over 20 years.  We took part in various student exchange programs where students from other music groups would come and perform concerts in the UK whilst stopping at UK students houses and then our UK students would go and perform concerts in their countries whilst stopping with their families.  Things have certainly changed a lot in 20 or so years, not always for the better but certainly they have never been as bad as this.

It is unfortunate for me that I was only made aware of this situation by my mother-in-law a few days ago.  She read about it in the Express & Star newspaper and questioned me about it.  I couldn't tell her any information.  Perhaps a meeting could be arranged for parents who want to do something about this terrible problem to meet and talk through possible solutions.  The key to finding a solution however is to be given all of the facts first. 

My fear is that the schools will not support the intended actions and children will miss out.  I would like to know where my daughter will stand on this though.  Unfortunately she is at college at present and her college do not support DPA.  She takes her lessons at Saltwell's Education Centre independently of her college.  Will these lessons be able to continue??

Lastly I would like to offer my support.  Please do feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance in this trying time.

Yours faithfully

Mrs Sam Woodward 

Good morning!

My daughter currently has flute lessons from Mrs Acilli, at Lutley Primary.  She thoroughly enjoys the lessons and is working towards Grade 2.

I was concerned to receive the letter of 15 March from the DPA explaining that there will be some changes in the way music tuition is going to be carried out.

It is extremely disappointing that the Himley Festival will not take place this year.  It has been a highlight in our calendar and always gave a real opportunity for performers to perform and for us as parents to be able to see our children perform.  It was always such a happy atmosphere and great for younger children to see older children performing and also to have the chance to sing and play together.

I’m not quite sure how the tuition side will work for the future – will schools be in charge of grouping children in ability groups? Will payment be made to the school for the lessons? Some teachers already find it difficult for a student to take 20 minutes out of an academic lesson to attend a music lesson, how will this work when the school is in charge of this?  In some cases, I imagine the teacher will just refuse to allow music lessons to interrupt their schedule!

I will write in to the school to ask for some further clarification from their side, and I will check your website regularly for any updates.

Regards

Kate Cartwright

Dear Mr Jones

I hope it is not too late to lend our support to Dudley Performing Arts.

We have recently attended the Young Performers platform at Netherton

Arts Centre, where we had a fantastic evening produced by the DPA.

Our daughter Amy Davis has lessons on Saturdays at the centre in

Lawnswood. She is playing Orchestral percussion, which her school

would be unable to provide the wide range of instruments she has the

opportunity to play.

So whatever the outcome of these proposed changes it would be such a

shame if these valuable lessons, which develop confidence and self

belief were unable to continue.

Julian Powell is a constant inspiration to his students who are

engaged and fully participate in his lessons.

Hope this helps.

Lynn Davis.

(parents of Simon & Sam Baldwin)