southwark music centre - worth the effort?

[tutorse22]

Hi, Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the "Southwark Music Centre" - we got letters about it at our primary school. I think it is this place http://www.southwarkmusicservice.org.uk

So it looks like a great opportunity, my only problem is that it sounds like the kids have to commit to singing in one of the choirs for a year, every Saturday morning from 9.30-12 or something like that? and if they "demonstrate commitment" by showing up every Saturday for a year, THEN they might be offered instrumental music tuition. My 6yo son is musical and I suspect he'd benefit from this group, but I just wondered if anyone else has done this, and if they could tell me if it's really worth all the effort?? Saturday mornings are prime time for all sorts of other activities, so I'm a little reluctant to commit his and our time for a whole year?. but if it's an awesome group, then maybe it's totally worth it, who knows?!

They have to have an assessment first before they're invited to participate, so that might make the decision for us, but just wanted to ask for opinions at this stage too.

thanks all

Claire

[bawdy-nan]

It's SUPERB.

[cactus]

My son has done 5 terms with them, it's a brilliant opportunity.

He didn't have to go down the choir route first, so double check their website.

Ideally they start in Years 3 & 4 I think, on your initial application you put down two

choices of instrument, and you'll hopefully be allocated to one of them. Some have longer

waiting lists than others, so perhaps enquire first.

[tutorse22]

Thanks folks for your replies and PMs. It sounds like it's been fantastic for some people, so it's certainly worth investigating! Thanks a lot for the replies. Sorry for being a bit late coming back to this - Xmas etc got in the way!

Claire

[cactus]

I think Southwark Music Centre and Southwark Music Service are two different schemes, though you've probably worked this out via the replies that you have received.

My understanding is, that it's the Southwark Music Centre that has the choir membership requirement, not Southwark Music Service.