The formal handover of the petition: To Protect the Future of Youth Music in Wales was held on Wednesday 10 June.
Petition wording:
We call on the National Assembly for Wales to urge the Welsh Government to protect musical tuition in schools and in particular to:
Reinstate central ring-fencing of budgets for professional instrumental tuition in schools;
Implement a national strategy to reverse the decline of Youth Music in Wales;
Offer the children and young people of Wales their right to receive an education that develops their unique personalities, talents and abilities to the full.
Additional Information from of those handing over the petition.
Wales has historically been perceived as a world class musical nation, globally recognised as the first country to have its own National Youth Orchestra. Wales has had in operation, since 1928, a music programme similar to the "El Sistema" programme; which other countries are now looking to implement. Since the findings of the Music Policy review group, published in May 2010, inequalities and uncertainty of provision have made headlines. In terms of protecting the opportunity to receive instrumental tuition and to practise and perform with others, Wales is now lagging behind England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, where ring-fencing has already been implemented. It is heartening to hear that new ways of working are being considered to make best use of limited resources available.
Ring-fencing is an opportunity to ensure music remains mainstream, continuing the professional standard system which is available to all and already in place, rather than music becoming elitist or marginalised.
We consider it essential not just to preserve our musical heritage, but also to help develop future generations, by giving young people access to all the areas of benefit that music brings.