The 30th Anniversary of the Cheddar Valley Music Club

17th Nov, 2009, by Jude Owens

The Cheddar Valley Music Club is celebrating 30 years of music-making this autumn with an Anniversary Concert On Wednesday 25 November 2009 at 6.00pm in The Kings of Wessex School Hall, Cheddar.

Created by Eric Richards, Anne Higgs and other music staff working in the area in September 1979, the Music Club provided young people in the Cheddar Valley Schools with opportunity for recreational music after school. A few months later they held their First Concert on 11 December 1979 in Kings' School Hall. Performing musicians included the Brass Group, Junior and Senior Choir, Woodwind Group, and Junior and Senior Recorder Group. Staff involved included Anne Higgs, Jo Reynolds, Graham Stanley, Jane Rees and Eric Richards (the then Head of Music at The Kings of Wessex).

30 years later, activities on offer now include a thriving choir, Cheddar Valley Voices (Tuesdays at Fairlands Middle School). All other activities take place at Kings: Theory Group (Tuesdays); Senior Brass Ensemble, Brass Band, Training Band, String and Junior String Group (Wednesdays); Percussion Ensemble (Thursdays). Many young people take part in more than one activity.

In recent years the Club has operated under "Somerset Music", with the staff all members of the Somerset Music teaching team. Today, Anne Higgs runs the Club, the Brass Groups and Theory Group; Robert Baker the String Groups; Kate Lynch Cheddar Valley Voices, and Giles Hicks the Percussion Ensemble.

The Music Ensembles are proud to be active in the community. As well as the end of term informal concerts members also take part in many other performances. Groups play annually in the Mid Somerset Musical Spectacular at the Strode Theatre in Street, they have participated in the National Festival of Music for Youth, played in Wells Cathedral - and the Choir will be singing there in the Somerset Schools Celebration Concert in December. The Percussion Ensemble has played in joint concerts with other schools.
Recently, the Brass Groups were moved to play their part in memorials for two much-loved members of The Kings of Wessex School staff: Les Skidmore and Andy Hitt, both of whom were instrumental in supporting the Music Club. The Groups also played for the Licensing of the new Vicar Rev. Sue Rose at St Andrews Church earlier in the year.

Many performers go on from the Music Club ensembles to play at County level in Somerset Music's County Youth Concert Band and Youth Orchestra. Membership in the club has remained strong. Over the last few years there have regularly been between 80 and 100 musicians on roll.

Commenting on their success Anne Higgs said: "I am delighted to have been part of the Cheddar Valley Music Club as we celebrate our 30th anniversary particularly in this National Year of Music. I thank all the young musicians, staff and parents who have delighted us with their talent and commitment over the years."

The Club is grateful for all the help and support by the staff at The Kings of Wessex School where many activities and concerts take place, and also to Fairlands Middle School for rehearsal space and Cheddar First School who have also hosted concerts.

Looking back, many of the young musicians have gone on to make music either their living or an important part of their recreational life. Helen Vollam who first played in a brass group is now Principal Trombone of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. A number have gone onto to be Musical Directors - one of whom is working London Shows, and another, Musical Director on one of the biggest cruise liners. At least six past members have gone on to teach music, several have gone into military bands, whilst others have taken up music related professions in radio, television and recording.

For the anniversary concert, the Club's musicians will be joined by guest ensemble Bristol Brass Consort run by Paul Harris. This is especially welcome as Paul played at the first Music Club Concert. It promises to be a wonderful celebration.

The Cheddar Valley Music Club is looking forward to its fourth decade of music-making.

Tickets for the Anniversary Concert will be on sale from The Kings of Wessex School Office priced £1 or phone 07823 537386.

To help celebrate the past 30 years, the Cheddar Valley Music Club would be delighted to hear from any past members. After the performance, they will adjourn to a local hostelry to chat about old times. See Anne Higgs on the evening or phone 07879 401879.

See You There!