Campaign launched to save music service

Hull Music Service, which dates back to the 1960s and teaches about 5,500 young musicians each year, had been bracing itself for a 25 per cent funding cut under cost-saving measures being considered by the city council.

But its manager was yesterday in crisis talks with council officials after it emerged the authority planned to withdraw its entire £511,000 annual contribution to the service, about a third of its total budget.

Parents, young musicians and supporters of the service are being urged to join two online campaigns on the social networking website Facebook, which have been launched to protect the service, based at the Albermale Centre in Ferensway. A petition is also being circulated.

It is also feared that the cuts threaten the viability of the music centre, which was purpose-built in November 2007 and is home to dozens of music teachers, almost 20 ensembles, and hosts rehearsals for up to 700 young musicians each week.

Groups using the centre include Hull Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hull Youth Choir and the Junior Windband.

Steve Clark, secretary of the City of Hull Young Musicians’ Friends’ Association, which raises money to support the service, said he understood the council had to make savings but was shocked by the prospect of such a drastic cut.

“There’s incredulity that the council could consider such a thing,” he said. “The music service is a jewel, one of the best if not the best in the country. We understand times are hard and we’ve got to cut costs, but we were expecting a 25 per cent cut, which was not nice but do-able.”

The council needs to make savings of about £40m because of Government funding cuts, and has until February 24 to finalise its budget. No-one at the authority was available for comment.