There are plenty of people around who like to say that nothing much of a musical nature ever happens in Swindon. That there is no music scene or community. That nothing new is coming through to write the next chapter of musical creativity in the town. But those who do so are generally coming from a very blinkered and narrow-minded position. They are often talking only about pop and rock bands, and whilst you might argue about the fact that the venues which cater to such tastes have become receptacles for sonic nostalgia trips, the rock and pop sectors, despite what torrid TV talent shows might try to employ, are only a small part of the musical whole.
I have seen the future of music! I know that is one of those hyperboles that the music press likes to throw about but bear with me; this is anything but a “new Dylan” story. On Saturday morning, I watched, listened and walked amongst this future potential. And I only had to travel as far as The Platform on Faringdon Road. The Platform, a grand old railway building, houses The Swindon Music Service, which arranges music teaching across all manner of styles, genres, instruments and ensembles for those youngsters looking for a creative outlet. Recently, I found myself enthralled by the Swindon Young Musicians’ end-of-term concert.
Of course, many such musicians are just starting on their journey, and each of the orchestras and choirs and ensembles and bands contained a range of abilities and ages. But there is something wonderful about watching people, especially some as young as six, dedicating their efforts to learning such a special craft as a musical instrument, and in the case of some students, two or three, especially when it would be all too easy to be watching TV, on their Playstation or hanging around in the nearest park glued to their phones.
So I witnessed everything from string orchestras to brass and woodwind bands, flute choirs to African drumming circles, percussion players and jazz outfits, a capella vocal performances and ukelele groups. It was eclectic, sometimes chaotic, but it was fun and rewarding. And it was, in a way, life-affirming too. What better experience than to watch young players starting on a journey that could take them who knows where? The future, as they say, is unwritten. But it was nice to see these young creatives at least making a few notes, literally, regarding the very future of music.
Awards were given to the top players and the most improved; some received their medals with glee, and others, perhaps a bit daunted by the public attention, the audience was about 200 friends and family, were happy to return to their seats. But that emphasizes the point of such events. Not only is it great for others to see the fruits of their hard work, but public performances like this also get these young players of tomorrow used to being in the public eye. Because so much music is made for public consumption, these safe and familiar spaces are the start of a journey to get them comfortable as a performer.
But more than that, playing as part of a group, from a small flute choir to, hopefully, one day, a Swindon Young Musicians Concert Orchestra, requires the acquisition of many skills. Teamwork, dedication, discipline, social interaction, concentration, rehearsal, friendliness and even punctuality, in short, the exact opposite of the rock and roll lifestyle that many associate with being a musician.
And, of course, who knows what those students might do with their talents once they have mastered the skills? Some may take their saxophone and join a function band; others might be found adding their violin virtuosity to the most fun and frenzied of folk bands. Some might see a cool jazz band as the perfect place for their clarinet skills, want to sing in a pop band, and of course, many will be the orchestral players of tomorrow, ensuring that a rich classical music heritage endures.
So, it was great to see so many young people of all backgrounds and cultures, abilities and ages, showing us all that the future of music in this town is in safe hands. And to my opening point, yes, you might look at local what’s on guides and moan that with yet another classic rock tribute act or another gap-year troubadour with a guitar and loop pedal and a working knowledge of A minor vying for audience attention, this isn’t where the future of Swindon’s music lies. And you’d be right. But the real future of local and not-so-local music, in reality, looks very different from that. Very different indeed.
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