INTERNATIONAL conductor and violinist Sir Neville Marriner joined broadcast concert pianist and presenter David Owen Norris to formally open the new, purpose-built music school at Perrott Hill School, near Crewkerne.
Cutting the ribbon, Sir Neville said: “The greatest musical influence starts at home and then at school.
“Schools can inflame children’s imagination and help to shape their love of and engagement with music.
“Whether it is singing in a choir or playing an instrument, it is most important that children have the opportunity to take part.
“Many schools have sporting facilities but fewer are lucky enough to have dedicated cultural and music spaces, so it give me great pleasure to open Perrott Hill’s new music school.”
The inaugural concert featured seven Perrott Hill pupils singing and playing a range of classical and jazz pieces on the guitar, bassoon, piano and violin.
The audience was treated to a performance from David Owen Norris on the new Kawai baby grand piano.
Mr Owen Norris told those assembled: “This is the best opportunity I have seen to be inspired by beauty since attending the concert hall at Grieg’s house in Norway which looks out to the fjord.
“Instead of the fjord, at Perrott Hill there is beautiful countryside to inspire you, as well as this inspirational musical school that fits into the landscape with its clean line and modern materials.”
The new music school has a teaching room, five instrumental teaching spaces and a recital room.
Headteacher Tim Butcher was very happy, and said:“Music has the power to unlock emotions, improve self-confidence and team work and helps children to access learning.
“Whether singing in the choir, rehearsing for informal concerts or performing in plays, children at Perrott Hill enjoy a wide variety of musical experiences.
“All the teachers are delighted about the investment in music at Perrott Hill and the opportunities it gives both pupils and their families. The teaching room will be the perfect place for our choir to rehearse in preparation for their tour of Venice in October, which includes performing at St Mark’s Basilica and a special concert at the Foundling Museum in London a few weeks later.”
