In 1972, the Sutton Schools Orchestra (SSO) was formed – this became the Sutton Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO) and led to the development of Sutton Music Service. On Saturday, 9th July, family, supporters, and alumni from across the borough and throughout Sutton Music Service’s history attended two special concerts held at the Fairfield Halls to celebrate this milestone.
"It was fantastic to attend the Sutton Music Service 50th Anniversary Concerts and to see and hear the young people of Sutton enjoying and participating in music. Nearly 50 years ago, I joined the Sutton Schools Orchestra, and this concert bought back so many wonderful memories from those times. I am sure in another 50 years, those that were participating in these concerts will also be coming back to hear the legacy that they are now a part of."
Split into two concerts, the day showcased each of the Music Service’s flagship orchestras and choirs to appreciative audiences – a wide variety of pieces were performed, ranging from a Lady Gaga Medley to a suite of pieces from West Side Story. The Young Musicians Training Orchestra (YMTO) performed the State Anthem of Ukraine, which received rapturous applause. There was also the first performance of a piece composed especially for SYSO – ‘English Suite No. 1’ by Music Service alumni David Hackbridge Johnson.
"It was a great pleasure to be able to write a piece for the orchestra, and I thoroughly enjoyed the concert. The musicians rose to the challenge of playing a new piece with aplomb, and I couldn't have been happier. And, of course, the concert brought back many happy memories of playing in the same orchestra 40 years ago! I am thrilled to see that music is right at the heart of so many young people's lives in Sutton."
Celebration was a key theme of the event, and we were honoured to present a prize to Alexis Ng, who won our recent Music Superstar badge design competition. These badges will be making their way to all children and young people who have been involved with the Music Service throughout the past academic year and were modelled by all our performers. Congratulations Alexis!
There were some bittersweet emotions, however, as we said goodbye to our Year 13 leavers – their commitment to the Music Service throughout the years is highly appreciated, and we wish each one of them luck as they continue their studies. Thank you for being part of our celebrations.
We also said goodbye to Jackie Cox, who has worked with Sutton Music Service since 1983, initially as a peripatetic teacher and then running the Borough of Sutton Flute Choir in 1992. Jackie then acted as a tutor for our bands – the Sutton Youth Training Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Orchestra. On behalf of the staff, conductors, tutors, and students of Sutton Music Service – thank you, Jackie, for your hard work and commitment over the years.
Whilst this academic year ends for our orchestras and choirs, we look forward to September and for you all to continue to #makemusicwithus.
"My son - who is currently typically 'worst case scenario teenager' and rarely enthusiastic about anything - was incredibly positive and buzzing after the concert. He told me that he's going to work much harder next year because he wants to be in the top orchestra. That's music to my ears! So, thanks to all the hard-working staff who created this concert opportunity, which I'm sure has inspired many other children."
Find out more about the history of Sutton Music Service here: https://suttonmusicservice.org.uk/about-us/our-history/
