Established over 45 years ago, the Abingdon Music Centre is a local charity providing the people of Abingdon with the chance to make music, whatever their age or experience. The Centre hosts a range of groups from baby and toddler classes up to adults. Those adults joining these groups will not only have the chance to forge new friendships but will be able to engage with a variety of music styles.
Currently, the Abingdon Music Centre run baby and preschool music classes, classes for children in Reception and Year one, recorder, guitar, and musicianship classes for children in Year two and above, ladies’ choirs, a community choir, a singing for pleasure group for the over 50’s, an orchestra, and various instrumental groups for adults. They also host activities on behalf of other groups.
Whilst the charity’s principal venue for their activities is at Larkmead School on Faringdon Road, some groups and classes take place at other venues around Abingdon: Christ Church in Northcourt Road and Thomas Reade School on Radley Road.
Chair of Trustees of the Abingdon Music Centre, Amena Sutton, tells us more about the charity. “Music is so important to help us with our development at all stages of life and our mental health is significantly improved when people make music in groups. We try not to duplicate activities which are already running in the area, so we do not have a choral society or ‘standard’ orchestra. Instead, we have a community choir, ladies’ day-time choirs and a community orchestra. Some of our groups are quite large; 80 people take part in the community choir, but instrumental groups are as small as five.”
“Our groups have an informal atmosphere and focus on participation. Members are encouraged to improve musically, extending their skills and techniques but the main emphasis is on enjoyment. Group activities are based on the needs of the members rather than taken ‘off the shelf’ from a national programme. Members also have the opportunity to perform through our members' events.”
The Abingdon Music Centre and its activities are run by an experienced and enthusiastic team of music teachers, administrators, and volunteers. The charity has 9-12 trustees who have a wide range of experience in the music industry and education and ensure that the operation works efficiently.
If you would like to make new friends and have an interest in music, the Abingdon Music Centre welcomes new and returning members. They offer a free taster session to enable you to see what they can offer you or your children.
To find out further information please visit abingdonmusic.org.uk or contact admin@abingdonmusic.org.uk.
They would also be interested to hear from you if you are interested in teaching, volunteering, or becoming a Trustee.
