HISTORY

North Leeds Music Centre started out in the 1970’s under the name “North Leeds Junior Music Centre”.

Later on, the “Junior” was dropped, as adults became involved in the centre as well as children. In the early days, the meeting place on Saturday mornings was Tinshill Middle School, Cookridge. There were about 7 classes, based around an orchestra; the centre also included a small wind band, guitar group, and recorder classes.

In the late eighties, the leadership of the centre was taken over by Howard Clinkard. Howard introduced a lot of new ideas, including more and varied classes. Shortly after this, the whole centre moved to Scott Hall Middle School, which remained its base for several years. Our name changed to “Scott Hall Music Centre”. The new location resulted in a huge increase in numbers attending the classes, and the centre went from strength to strength.

More recently, we have moved yet again, to Carr Manor High School, and adopted the name we use now: “North Leeds Music Centre”. Martin Dunn has taken over from Howard as Head of Centre, and all the activities continue to flourish.

The Music Centre has always had an orchestra of one sort or another. The original one was conducted by Brendan Duffy; while David Bellwood started a Beginner's Orchestra, back in the Tinshill Days. While we were based at Scott Hall, Brendan started the Jazz & Blues Band; and as that took up most of his time, David took over the conductorship of the Senior Orchestra, which is really the beginning of the orchestra in its present form.

The Orchestra sometimes divides into a String Orchestra and Wind Band. Many of our current members also play in other Leeds Youth orchestras and bands. The standard of playing has risen tremendously over the last few years, due to the hard work of the members. New members are always welcome in most sections, especially strings and percussion. Prospective members should speak to the conductor.

We also have a Training Orchestra at the centre, which caters for beginners up to about grade 3; and a Chamber Orchestra for string players of grade 3 to 4 standard to grade 8, and there are also a limited number of places for woodwind players.

David Bellwood