Sir,
We are sure that many of your readers will already have become aware of the threat hanging over peripatetic music provision and the magnificent orchestra at Tenby's Greenhill School.
People may have already heard about proposed cuts to key stage three drama and music provision in the school, but we would urge everyone within the local community to join in the fight to preserve what has become recognised as a centre of musical excellence, not just in Pembrokeshire, but across Wales and more widely.
As is usually the case, a lack of funding is the factor cited for the proposed cuts, a budget shortfall of some £250,000 having been outlined to parents. Whatever the political arguments around this, the real losers will ultimately be the magnificent musicians in Greenhill School and the thousands of people that they bring enormous pleasure to each and every year.
Over the past 21 years, head of music Paul Rapi has worked tirelessly to develop a 120-strong orchestra that is the envy of schools across the country. They have played in internationally renowned venues, including the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall. Ask anyone what they know about Greenhill School and the vast majority will refer to the achievements of the orchestra.
Over and above this, musicians from Greenhill have been selected for and continue to progress to three counties, Wales and UK wide ensembles. The removal of peripatetic teaching provision within the school would directly lead to that opportunity being closed off to future generations.
What has taken more than two decades to nurture and develop could be lost virtually overnight.
Many youngsters in feeder schools for Greenhill aspire to be part of the musical success story that Greenhill has become synonymous with.
We would urge your readers to pledge their support by writing to and actively lobbying their Assembly Members, MP and Pembrokeshire County Council to intervene before it is too late.
Concerned parents,
Name and address supplied.