Perth and Kinross Council have made plans for cuts to be made to the music service. The equivalent of 3.5 full-time salaries will be cut, this could mean that a third of the instrumental staff employed by the council will be losing their jobs. If these cuts go ahead, Central Groups will not have sufficient staffing to keep running. 

Central Groups is an organisation run by music service staff who give up their evenings to support ensembles and orchestras from beginner to advanced levels. This organisation encourages the creative growth, confidence, co-operation and confidence of young people and enables unique performance opportunities to all ages and abilities. It has given students the opportunity to perform and compete at regional, national and international levels.  

Students are also offered the chance to partake in our annual music camp, a four-day residential camp where students work towards the end of week concert at Perth Concert Hall. At music camp our senior ensembles immerse themselves in rehearsals all day with lots of opportunities for downtime as well as evening entertainment. Music Camp is the highlight of the year for many, where lasting friendships are created, and musical capability is developed extensively.   

Taking part in Central Groups is free of charge, offering equal opportunities to all. Without adequate funding, this organisation will become inaccessible to many, with a fee having to be paid to take part in central groups and costs for our annual music camp potentially doubling.  

It is not just jobs that will be lost, we will potentially be losing an organisation that provides unrivalled culture to Perth and Kinross. It has supported hundreds of students to pursue significant careers in the arts. It has inspired potential, growth, leadership, responsibility and self-esteem in every young person involved.  

We urge that the Council does not allow the cuts to go forward and realises the detrimental impact that they could inflict on the culture, welfare and education of the young people and communities of Perth and Kinross. Please sign this petition to make a change.