A few weeks ago I went to an excellent concert in St. David’s Hall, Cardiff. Performing were the young people of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW). The programme was an ambitious one – all three pieces were outside of the traditional orchestral repertoire, and it was the first time I had heard Prokofiev’s 5th Symphony. Prokofiev was a Russian composer and this symphony was first performed in 1945 as the Red Army was fighting its way into Germany. The music is, therefore, robust and victorious.
Years ago I myself was a member of the NYOW and, in fact, I was principal oboist for a couple of years. The extremely impressive concert did, however, give me an opportunity to reflect on the differences in the orchestra in the 1970s compared to today. To be fair, the standard of performance was as good as what it was in the 1970s; different sections of the orchestra were ‘stronger’ than others but, overall, there was a high standard.
But, I suspect one of the differences between the 1970s and today was the social background of many of the young people. When I was in the orchestra, many of the musicians came from pretty ordinary working class backgrounds and a large proportion were drawn from the Valleys.
Today things are different. Looking at the programme for the concert, it was striking how relatively few youngsters now come from valley communities. And, although I cannot produce any hard evidence to back this up, a number of music teachers I spoke to on the night were firmly of the view that the socio-economic profile of the Youth Orchestra had changed. Today there were far more young people drawn from professional and upper middle class families.
Why should this be so? The answer is due mainly to the fact that ‘free’ instrumental music tuition in schools is largely a thing of the past. Music is now seen as an extra-curriculum activity rather than a mainstream artistic subject. This is a huge pity because music has helped so many young people from ordinary backgrounds live much fuller and rewarding lives. This is an issue which should be debated here in Wales of all places.
Wayne David
Labour MP for Caerphilly
The music teachers, Wayne David mentions, are correct in noting that the ability to play music is increasingly the preserve of the better off in society. We live in what was once the 'land of music and song' but this is no longer the case. My father played the cornet to a good standard and also played mouth organ, my mother played the piano. For people of their generation this was not unusual.
There are several reasons for this, one being the lack of free music tuition in schools, as mentioned by Wayne David. Another reason is that academic excellence is now seen as 'elitist'. Our young people are discouraged from 'hard' subjects, which learning a musical instrument to orchestral standards undoubtedly is, and channelled into sitting, and passing, easier exams that make the performance of the school look good.
A further reason is that the young themselves regard learning as 'uncool', in contrast to their forefathers. I have read many accounts written by the Welsh working class of late 19th and early 20th centuries and never cease to be astounded at the quality of the writing. These people were sometimes finished with full time education by the age of 12-14 years but shared with their communities a thirst for knowledge which was not to be denied them. They worked hard to pay their bills and then spent their spare time in the libraries of workmen's halls, singing in choirs, in debating societies, art groups and many more activities beneficial to their intellect.
Can the clock be turned back? I doubt it, the coal mining communities of South Wales were comprised of a dynamic , aspirational people, many of whom had moved into this area with the desire to better themselves. They firmly believed that learning was power and believed themselves equal to the challenge. A Welsh choir or brass band, of the first half of the 20th century, took delight in practising the most difficult pieces they could find and then entrancing their audience with their virtuosity. I think these glory days are gone, never to return and, sadly, musical ability will be for the ‘middle class’ only in future.
Why am I not surprised that our MP appears to be more interested in `fiddling` whilst `Wales burns` under the thieving financial settlement continuous British Governments, including Labour, have made to this Country?.