Are they planning to perform the Sound of Silence?

From Chris de Ste Croix.

SO, Deputy Patrick Ryan is proposing to charge for instrumental lessons within our schools to save the education department £200,000 per year.

Yet again it seems that a politician hasn’t thought beyond his departmental budget. It would be interesting to know if Deputy Ryan has had the opportunity to learn an instrument or has ever been involved in any musical activities. I would guess not!

Playing an instrument is very much like participating in sport, which I understand there are no plans to charge for at this time, as it teaches you discipline and team work amongst other things.

There are many musicians in this Island who give a great deal back to the community. This has obviously not been taken into consideration. All you need to do is look at Gerard Le Feuvre, who was taught through the Instrumental Music Service and has given a lot back to the Island with his orchestra and concerts.

Deputy Ryan has not considered the number of local bands and orchestras that give back to the community with their support of local and charity events on the Island. Where would the Liberation celebrations be without the support of the Band of the Island of Jersey, La Ronde Concert Band and the Jersey Big Band, to name just a few?

Many members of these bands have come through the Education Instrumental Music Service that has been provided free for many years.

There are many other bands that provide high-quality entertainment for local events. I think if Deputy Ryan bothered to do his research properly, he would be hard pressed to find a local band of any genre that does not include a band member who has come up through the local schools, learning their music at the school lessons provided free of charge.

Tourism call on these bands throughout the year to put on concerts/gigs for the enjoyment of tourists in many locations, including the Howard Davis Park.

I helped to organise the very successful free events Jazz in the Park and Park Live. Virtually all of the bands that gave their time free included people who had benefited from the free music lessons.

One of my main concerns is that if any of Deputy Ryan’s plans to help the less well-off include a talent test, I would not have passed and possibly would have been deprived of the free lessons. However, since leaving school I have continued with my music and have played, and still do, in several local bands.

One of my main achievements was being invited to play with the Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

Remember that we are still a relatively well-off Island. Surely we can find savings somewhere else, instead of depriving children of free music lessons?

Deputy Ryan, please think very carefully when saving your paltry £200,000.

Consider what the Island gets back from the musicians who have benefited from free instrumental lessons.