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Celebrate 75 years of music in East Sussex
The East Sussex Music Service has put together a public display of photographs, concert programmes and tales from generations of musicians following an appeal to former students to come forward with their memories.
One of the items they received was the original programme of the Rural Music Schools Association’s 21st Birthday Festival held at the Royal Albert Hall in1950. Well-known composer Ralph Vaughan Williams wrote a Concerto Grosso to be performed at the concert. Conductor Sir Adrian Boult led the concert which was enjoyed by a prestigious audience including the Queen.
Nancie Plummer, who was the director of the music school from 1958 to 1984, got in touch to lend many documents for the display. One item, The East Sussex Rural Music School, advertised lessons to adults and children from all areas of life for the princely sum of 1s 6d for adults and 6d for children.
The collection has been on show at the concerts across the county throughout December and is now in place at the Music Service’s headquarters in Mountfield Road, Lewes.
If you would like to see the display of memorabilia contact the Music Service, based at the Performing Arts Building, Sussex Downs College, Mountfield Road, on 01273 336770 direct line for Caroline Daykin, Senior Administrator 01273 336783.
The East Sussex Music Service has been inspiring budding musicians since 1934 when the Rural Schools Music Association moved into Sussex. It now works with a whole range of children and young people no matter what level of talent or backgrounds. As an East Sussex County Council service it provides instrumental and vocal lessons in schools, music centre activities, specialist music courses, a summer school, consultancy and advisory services to parents and students, orchestral and ensemble concerts, award winning regional and county orchestras, bands and choirs.
The East Sussex Academy of Music works with Sussex Downs College to provide a specialist environment where musical young people can study music and music technology A-Levels and AS-Levels and diplomas in Pre Professional Music.
Find out more about Sussex Downs College Music Academy
