Stockport band steps in to support local music education

Indie band, Blossoms, have stepped in to support Stockport Music Service, which has been unable to offer hundreds of children in the borough access to participation in regular music ensembles or groups for the past seven months.

Stockport Music Service, recognised as one of the UK’s leading providers of music education, was moved out of its purpose-built premises by the local council when lockdown restrictions were first imposed at the end of March. While other music education services in England have resumed, children in Stockport are continuing to miss out due to the lack of premises.

The team, which employs over 30 staff, normally teaches more than 1,500 children every week and runs 25 different choirs, orchestras, and bands – helping to keep kids engaged, entertained and most importantly off the streets. Many parents are frustrated that the service did not resume with the easing of lockdown restrictions; one commented:

My kids love singing in Junior Voices, and playing in the Wind Orchestra, they’ve made so many new friends there, and it’s definitely been good for their general wellbeing. I can’t believe the council has closed it down, what’s going to happen now, how can they carry on if they’ve got nowhere to rehearse?”

Stockport band Blossoms began their musical journey under the wings of the Music Service and have recently been working in secret with one of the younger choirs who feature on their new single Christmas Eve (Soul Purpose). After hearing about the current situation band frontman Tom said:

With everything that’s going on right now, we really need to give these kids the chance to make amazing music together, to learn, and to give them some stability when things around them are so crazy.”

The band went on to say how vital music is to our wellbeing and that the whole industry is in real danger and needs support at all levels. They are now calling for others in the community to contact their local councillors and MPs to ensure local children do not miss out on this part of their education.