Children playing instruments:

Pop-up Beethoven performance planned in protest against Music Service cuts: Find out how to take part

The future of the Isle of Wight Music Service has been hanging in the balance for several years.

Back in 2012, under the former Conservative administration, a huge shake-up of the Service was proposed, leading to calls of protest from music experts such as Professor Anthony Rooley, Soprano Soloist Evelyn Tubb or music scholar, Richard Hall.

Despite the change in administration at County Hall, the future of the Music Service (renamed the ‘Music Education Hub’) continues to be under threat.

Musicians to protest
This Saturday (26 April 2014) a musical demonstration is planned in St Thomas’ Square, Newport (or in Newport Minster in case of rain).

Musicians of all ages and abilities are invited to take part and play their musical instruments or sing along in support of music education on the Isle of Wight from 1.45pm for a 2.15pm performance.

How to take part
A pop-up performance of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. To take part, download and print the sheet music by following this link.

Musicians are advised to take along

  • Your musical instrument
  • Portable music stand
  • Clothes pegs (to hold sheet music in place on stand)
  • Sheet music (if you are able to print it at home)
  • Rosin, reeds, etc if applicable
  • Jacket/coat if we are outside

Let your voice – and music – be heard about how important music education is on the Island!

Image: Boston Public Library under CC BY 2.0