Band launches petition against music service cuts

Annan Town Band has criticised proposals to axe the Instrumental Music Service in Dumfries and Galloway schools. 

Trustees of the band have launched a petition against plans put forward in Dumfries and Galloway Council's budget consultation which would see all instrumental music tuition removed from the region's schools. 

A spokesperson for the band said: "These plans wouldn't just remove free music lessons, it would remove the entire music service with no ability to pay for lessons either. 

"To be clear, this is a local government decision. There is still funding available from the Scottish Government for instrumental tuition in schools and every other local authority in Scotland will continue to provide it.

"There is overwhelming evidence for the benefits of learning a musical instrument, both academically and socially, and it is shameful that the council would even consider removing this opportunity for our region's young people."

The demand for instrumental lessons in Dumfries and Galloway's schools has blossomed over the last five years, with almost 2000 pupils now receiving lessons and a further 750 on the waiting list. 

Annan Town Band offers free tuition for all through its youth/training band, but trustees fear that the withdrawal of lessons and instruments provided by the music service would force many of their young players to stop playing. 

The spokesperson continued: "Music should be for everyone, not just for those who can afford to pay. As a small charity we do our best to bridge the gap, but the instrumental music service in schools is vital. 

"Without the next generation of musicians coming through, the future of our town band and every other music group in our region is put in jeopardy. 

"We also risk losing the knowledge and expertise of up to 21 music instructors who not only provide opportunities in schools, but also support amateur music groups for people of all ages across the region. 

"We understand times are hard and the council have difficult decisions to make, but we truly believe music should be protected and our young people should have access to the same opportunities as their peers across Scotland."

Click here to sign the petition.

Annan Town Band is a registered charity committed to promoting brass banding and the benefits of making music. The group attracts more than 30 players, aged 16-80+, from across Dumfries and Galloway and northern Cumbria to weekly rehearsals in the village of Brydekirk, near Annan.

The band competes and performs regularly across Scotland and beyond. Recent successes include representing Scotland at the European Brass Band Championships in Switzerland in 2019, taking the Scottish Championship second section title in 2020, and winning the Borders Entertainment Contest in 2024.