MAPAS Celebrates it's 40th Year
2006 - 2007 was a year of celebration for Salford Music and Performing Arts Service. Marking 40 years since a Music Service was established following the appointment of Jack Fryer as Music Advisor for the Education department in November 1966. From January 1967 onwards he gradually built a team of instrumental teachers to work in schools in the city and he also started a Saturday morning music centre at Chasely Hall Pendleton.
There have been many changes to service provision over the years. The venue for the Arts Centre(s) has changed many times and we are now a performing arts service with Singing, Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre as an integral part of what the Service provides in schools and at the Arts Centres.
What has not changed is the way in which the service continues to enhance the lives of many pupils who benefit from its teaching. It offers through a range of activities, rehearsals and concerts a focus for the developing personality. The service has become an integral part of many lives, providing a sense of community and helping establish life long friendships and even the odd marriage.
The celebrations for our fortieth anniversary were very varied. The year was launched with a fine production of Guys and Dolls in November 2006.
There was a Reunion Concert and Buffet on 24 February 2007, The Songfest at The Lowry, Lyric Theatre on Sunday 29 April; the Motion House dance project in July and the Summer Showcase for Performing Arts in July.
The year of special events was completed with our Music Theatre Company presenting Sugar, the musical from the film ‘Some Like it Hot’.
The year was also one of great achievement for MAPAS, with the Saxophone ensemble performing in the National Music for Youth festival, the Boys’ Dance Company performing in the National Festival of Dance, and Senior MAPAS groups undertaking a very successful tour of Belgium.
The reunion buffet and play together took place at Buile Hill Banqueting Suite. This was a great event with almost half of the original youth orchestra being present and still able to play (up to a point).They were joined by many members of various bands and orchestras from across the 40 years. Over 130 ex members turned up altogether, with about 50 performing in the reunion band - one ex member Chris McKenna had flown across from Canada to be here for the great event.
The evening was launched with a rousing performance by the present Concert Band and videos were played throughout the evening from tours and concerts past including thirtieth Anniversary events. The highlight of the evening was however the concert by the Reunion Band, a mixture of ex – Youth Orchestra and Concert Band musicians. Tuning was lax, lips became quickly tired and for many fingers ached, but we held it together to the astonishment of friends and family. Jack Fryer conducted the Serenade and helped us chase back the years. Speeches were given by Paul Trimble and Jack Fryer who was given a presentation baton as a memento of what he had achieved. It was great to see so many old faces.
This page was last updated on 08 February 2008
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