A growing programme of free musical tuition across Corsham, Chippenham and Atworth is striking a chord with hundreds of primary school children, their families, and teachers. Since September 2024, no fewer than 471 pupils across 11 schools have been introduced to brass, woodwind and string instruments, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated teaching team from Corsham Windband Association that runs four community wind bands.
The CWA, long known for its work in nurturing local musical talent, has broadened its outreach with lessons delivered directly in schools. Leading the initiative are Sonia, Jo (brass and woodwind) Deborah, Kelly and Martha (strings), Simon (brass) and Jenny (woodwind). Their combined efforts have transformed classrooms into rehearsal rooms, assemblies into mini-concerts, and school halls into performance venues.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers report that pupils have embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm, while parents have turned out in record numbers to watch their children perform. At Corsham Regis, a school concert attracted the largest audience ever seen there, while a similar event at Corsham Broadwood showcased how quickly young musicians can progress. Churchfields School (Atworth) organised a summer prom! Assemblies at Queen’s Crescent, St Mary’s and Neston have also featured live music from pupils, proving that the initiative is inspiring both within and beyond the classroom.
Children themselves are also voicing their excitement. One young participant from Churchfields described a recent Saturday concert as “very professional and magical,” capturing the sense of wonder that the project aims to bring.
The impact is also being felt beyond primary school doors. Members of the association’s Training Band, which provides the next step for budding musicians, have praised the scheme for giving younger players the confidence and inspiration to take part in ensemble music-making. With three wind bands of differing levels already in place, the pathway from first lesson to public performance is clearer than ever before.
Behind the scenes, the teaching team meets monthly to discuss practical matters such as instrument supply, safeguarding and school coordination, ensuring that the programme runs smoothly. The commitment is already paying off: from September, the scheme will expand to 14 schools, reaching an estimated 635 children. If current growth continues, the association believes it could engage as many as 1,000 young people within a year thanks to funding by Wiltshire Council, Corsham Town Council, Jack Lane Trust, The Late Lord Methuen Trust, Wiltshire Community Trust, Box Parish Council, Ronnie Scott Trust and individual donations
“This is about much more than just learning an instrument,” explained one committee member. “It’s about building confidence, teamwork, and a love of music that will last a lifetime. The concerts show what can be achieved in a short space of time, and the children’s joy is infectious.”
With packed-out concerts, glowing feedback from schools, and children discovering the thrill of live performance, the association’s education programme is fast becoming one of the region’s most successful cultural initiatives. If the momentum continues, the sound of young musicians may soon become a familiar feature in even more schools and concert halls across Wiltshire.