You may not have known that there has been a music centre in Staplehurst for over 25 years. Since its formation in 1948, Kent Music has operated music centres in many of the smaller towns and larger villages across Kent. Our local centre, the Wealden Music Centre, was originally held on Saturday mornings at what was then Angley School, now the High Weald Academy. This moved to Staplehurst around 1995, offering a wide range of individual instrumental lessons and boasting a large orchestra, Junior and Senior string groups, a fun band for brass players, a woodwind ensemble, Fundermusic, (a precursor of Kindermusic), a choir and three recorder ensembles! Unfortunately, government funding constraints in the 2000s meant that this was no longer possible, and several centres had to close. The Music Centre had a choice – allow itself to close down like so many others, or find a way to keep bringing opportunities for music making to the local community. In 2006 a group of committed teachers and enthusiastic parents decided to keep the centre going, changing the name to Staplehurst Music Centre (SMC) to mark the break with Kent Music. And so it has continued.
Until Covid, SMC has operated as a musical hub, offering lessons and ensembles every Saturday during term-time (save for the odd snow day). Covid and lockdown meant that SMC had to close temporarily. While many teachers were able to switch to online lessons, this was sadly not possible for the orchestra. The past 18 months have proven extremely challenging for musicians and music teachers, as for so many businesses and industries. And we know it’s not over yet.
However, we’re delighted that Staplehurst Music Centre is now back with music lessons and community music activities at Staplehurst Primary School every Saturday morning during term-time. Experienced teachers run a range of music lessons and ensemble opportunities for adults and children of all ages and abilities.
