School music mastermind bows out on high note

The man who masterminded an award-winning music service which loans thousands of instruments to school children in one of the UK's most deprived towns is retiring.

Andrew White, who lives in Manchester, set up Blackpool Music Service (BMS) in 2002.

The 66-year-old said after more than two decades leading the service it was the right time to "slow down".

He said BMS loaned 4,000 instruments to youngsters in 44 schools across Blackpool and the surrounding areas and had created a "huge calendar" of musical events to perform in.

BMS provides weekly music lessons in all but one school in Blackpool as well as offering sessions in colleges and children's centres across the borough.

The service also stages events such as Schools Alive which sees thousands of youngsters perform annually at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, competitions including Pop Idol and free ensembles such as the Youth Concert Band and choirs as well as taking young musicians on tours abroad.

Paul Barker, chairman of the Friends of Blackpool Music Service, a charity set up in 2015 to help fund the service said the success of the service was Mr White's legacy.

"He's an amazing leader of what is the best music hub in the country by a country mile," the former deputy head teacher said.

From being loaned instruments to offering medals for passing assessments as well as the opportunity for musicians to play abroad, Mr Barker said Mr White had made a real difference to music education in the resort.

"This doesn't happen in other places," Mr Barker said.

Music lessons are no longer compulsory in schools and many families are unable to afford private lessons, particularly in Blackpool which is one of the country's most deprived areas.

Mr White was determined to do all he could so that every youngster could have the opportunity to enjoy music.

"It is very important," he said. "Music is very powerful."

He said it was excellent for developing children's communication skills, confidence and friendships.

Mr White said he had witnessed infants struggling with speech saying their first words thanks to Tiddly-Om-Pom-Poms music sessions for children under five.

About 50 youngsters who have used BSM have progressed to national orchestras.

BSM has been recognised for its innovative work with children from 0-19, including the National Music Council's prestigious Major Trophy honour in 2011.

Mr White said he was most proud of the way schools had "come together" to support the BSM team and seeing the children's enjoyment.

"I didn't expect it to be as big as it is," he said.

His last engagement is on 12 February when he will be the conducting the Youth Concert Band for the last time at the Blackpool Citadel.

The band, which was set up 15 years ago, are playing his favourite music in his honour with numbers from Ed Sheeran to Elton John.

"It will be emotional no doubt saying my farewells," he said.

"I've made thousands of friends over the years but I will still be about to offer my support."

He said he would miss it but felt "I have to slow down sometime".

The musician will not be hanging up his baton, though, and is hoping to return to conducting bands and musicals.

He will still be involved in the Blackpool music scene, too, in an advisory role for the Friends of Blackpool Music Service charity.

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