You might think that I’d be good at music, being on the Board on the Jersey charity, Music In Action. Actually, I never learnt to play an instrument (I tried piano but never even reached Grade 1 standard). So why would a person like me be interested in a music charity?
The truth is that music is a wonderful way to bring people together. I’ve seen the magic of over 800 children taking part in Jersey Sings! Of children from across the spectrum of island schools; regardless of background, race, gender or ability brought together at the same time, in the same place to create a lasting musical memory; building friendships through shared experience and enhancing confidence.
I’ve seen the opportunities that Music In Action has enabled for local performance platforms; for Jazz players and singing groups at ‘Jazz at Hamptonne’; to orchestral players as part of the Jersey Chamber Orchestra three times each year. The smiles on faces and obvious joy these events bring to people is worth the hard work in preparation. To the school and community choirs who have performed with the orchestra and to the local and visiting performers reaching out to provide music to commemorate and celebrate at the Liberation International Music Festival every May. Music In Action is reaching out to community members in isolation in care homes in Jersey and providing resources to support musical education in schools. We’ve brought over specialist players to educate and inspire upcoming local players and have given a platform to showcase their talents. Because of these opportunities, young people from Jersey have been able to use these performances to win scholarships to Music Colleges, Theatre Schools and Cathedral Choirs and go on to fulfil their musical ambitions and potential.
I’m not going to be joining them on-stage anytime soon. But I’ve loved seeing the blind runner stopping to listen to the music during the Musical Fun Run; deaf children and those with special needs participating with their peers at Jersey Sings. All the children learning Jèrriais and being empowered by the ‘Power in Me’ song written by local composer and music teacher Rebecca Lawrence. So many memories and so many friends made through music.
So, although I don’t play or sing, my contribution to music is to help with the admin. I believe in the power of music. Music matters to me because it makes a difference to people’s lives.
Let’s keep the music alive in Jersey this year.
Tell us how music matters to you.