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Anne Worsley, Organiser of BMS writes:
“I was impressed by the skill the composer showed in demanding a high degree of musicianship within simple technical limits - for percussion, the changing rhythms in each repeat of song 5; for wind, the different combinations of C, D and E flat in the 9/8 of Song 2 and for keyboard, the succession of different bar-lengths in Song 3. All these required a degree of concentration which the BMS pupils were not accustomed to and which gave them real satisfaction when they finally achieved it.”Anne describes the benefits to BMS pupils as follows:
“Eighteen pupils had a crash course in ensemble playing which has immeasurably improved their standard of musicianship. Their technique has also improved. They have seen an example of advanced ensemble playing by pupils with great technical skill (feedback from pupils reflected this). They have gained the confidence of playing successfully in a concert piece with other players of a high standard. They have gained the satisfaction of having played well in a challenging environment (feedback from parents reflected this). They have learned good concert behaviour.”Anne goes on to say:
“BMS can now build on this to develop its own ensemble work and hopefully do more advanced work, offering a richer experience to children who come to BMS for individual lessons.”
The Borough Music School was set up in 1995, chiefly for primary age pupils in the state system who wished to learn an instrument but whose parents could not afford private tuition. At that time there was little instrumental tuition in state primary schools, and pupils had to wait for secondary transfer (and even later) if they wished to learn to play. The School offers individual lessons and some group work at subsidized cost, and there are Bursaries, funded by the Triangle Trust, for really needy families.
Parents and friends hear pupils' work at the end of term concert. There are solo, small group and recorder group items, and the children gain great confidence in performing, besides demonstrating to parents and friends what they can do. Pupils also perform at community events locally, and were seen at the Nelson Square Centenary Fair, and at the Mint St Festival in August.
Many pupils have progressed to more advanced music making at the Centre for Young Musicians at Morley College, or been offered individual lessons when they got to secondary school. Almost all pupils come from the London Borough of Southwark, and the school is supported financially by Southwark Council
In 2003, Viviane Ronchetti, director of NYSA, set in motion a project which would enable pupils from BMS and NYSA members to work together on a piece specially commissioned for them. The composer, Michael Finnissy agreed to take on the commission. The brief was that the piece should explore folk and ethnic melodies and rhythms in a way that would challenge both groups in ways which stretched each of them according to their level and experience. Very appropriately, Michael called his piece, Civilisation
On 30th October, 2004, at St Peter's Church, Eaton Square, London, Civilisation received its world premiere performance, playing to a capacity audience made up of friends and supporters from both BMS and NYSA. Michael Finnissy was also present and gave a short introduction about his piece before the performance. In his words, the whole experience was “very moving”.
