At their April meeting the Trustees of the Test Valley Arts Foundation awarded four significant grants for the arts in Test Valley

Morrison Music Award
A Morrison Music Award of £500 went to a very resourceful and talented pupil in his second year at Mountbatten School in Romsey, 13 year old Callum Jones from Southampton. Since attending the school he has developed his strong interest in music and drama. Callum has a particularly fine singing voice and has classes with the Hampshire Music Service. On his own initiative he attended his first ever formal audition in which he had to sing, dance and act. Callum was offered a place in MORT, a musical production of Terry Pratchett’s story, one of ‘Youth Music Theatre UK’s Projects 2007’, which is to be staged in Manchester in August. Youth Theatre Director Clive Paget said: ”Callum has been chosen for this project because he impressed with his energy and creativity as well as his vocal and physical skills. He can look forward to a fantastic experience this summer.”

The Morrison Music Award will help towards Callum’s travelling and living expenses during the production.

On hearing about the award Callum commented: “That is absolutely fantastic!”

Open Access Awards
An Open Access Award of £500 was awarded to Romsey Choral Society to support two exciting and ambitious concerts that the society is presenting at Romsey Abbey next July and November. The summer concert embraces music from Handel and Vivaldi, and one little known English composer, Geoffrey Bush. In November the Remembrance weekend concert features Verdi’s Requiem. Choral Society Treasurer Julia Loescher commented: “Mounting performances of these works requires good quality orchestras and experienced soloists. The Society believes they are providing a valuable cultural opportunity which the local and regional community can be proud of.”

Two other Open Access Awards went to the Andover area. The Foundation awarded £250 in support of ‘Cricklade past and present’, a concert to be staged at ‘the Lights’ theatre on 30th June in memory of highly regarded contributors to the Andover cultural scene; Mark Ray, past Head of Music at Cricklade College; the late Russell Maybe, TV actor; Rosemary Parritt, music lecturer; and others. An award of £250 was given to Sarah Morgan of St Mary Bourne to help set up a daytime singing group at ‘the Lights’ theatre in Andover. Sarah commented: “Singing has proven benefits for mental, physical and emotional health. Singing in a group or choir also helps to develop a sense of social inclusion and promotes a feeling of well-being.” The Foundation’s grant will fund three free ‘taster’ sessions designed to encourage people to come and ‘have a go’ and pay for initial publicity.