The man behind a groundbreaking music service that has loaned thousands of instruments to children in one of the UK’s most deprived towns is retiring.
Andrew White, a Manchester resident, founded Blackpool Music Service (BMS) in 2002. After leading the service for over two decades, the 66-year-old believes it is time to “slow down.”
Under Mr. White’s leadership, BMS loaned 4,000 musical instruments to children in 44 schools across Blackpool and the surrounding areas. The service also created a “huge calendar” of musical events, offering young performers numerous opportunities to showcase their talents.
BMS provides weekly music lessons in every school in Blackpool, except one, and extends its offerings to colleges and children’s centres throughout the borough. The service organizes events such as Schools Alive, where thousands of young performers take the stage annually at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. BMS also hosts competitions like Pop Idol, free ensembles such as the Youth Concert Band and choirs, and even takes young musicians on tours abroad.
Paul Barker, chairman of the Friends of Blackpool Music Service (a charity founded in 2015 to support BMS), praised Mr. White’s leadership, calling it the “legacy” of his career. “He’s an amazing leader of what is the best music hub in the country by a country mile,” said Mr. Barker, who is also a former deputy head teacher. “From providing instruments to offering medals for assessments and the chance to play abroad, Mr. White has truly made a difference to music education in Blackpool.”
Music lessons are no longer mandatory in schools, and many families, especially in deprived areas like Blackpool, struggle to afford private lessons. Determined to make music accessible to every child, Mr. White built BMS to ensure that young people had the opportunity to experience and enjoy music.
“Music is very important,” Mr. White said. “It’s powerful for developing communication skills, confidence, and friendships.”
He also shared how he had seen young children, particularly those with speech difficulties, begin to speak their first words through Tiddly-Om-Pom-Poms, a music session for children under five. Around 50 former BMS students have gone on to perform in national orchestras.
BMS has been widely recognized for its innovative work with children from birth to age 19, earning prestigious accolades such as the National Music Council’s Major Trophy in 2011.
Reflecting on his career, Mr. White said he was most proud of how schools had “come together” to support the BMS team and the joy he witnessed in the children.
“I didn’t expect it to be as big as it is,” he admitted.
Mr. White’s final engagement will be on 12 February, when he conducts the Youth Concert Band for the last time at Blackpool Citadel. The band, which he founded 15 years ago, will perform a selection of Mr. White’s favorite songs, ranging from Ed Sheeran to Elton John, in his honor.
“It will be emotional, no doubt, saying my farewells,” he said. “I’ve made thousands of friends over the years, but I will still be around to offer my support.”
While Mr. White will miss his role, he recognizes it’s time to step back. However, he isn’t giving up music entirely. He plans to continue conducting bands and musicals in the future and will remain involved in the Blackpool music scene in an advisory capacity for the Friends of Blackpool Music Service charity.
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