A music centre is asking former students to help celebrate more than four decades of calling the tune in south Leeds.
The South Leeds Music Centre has given children, families and the local community the chance to join a local orchestra for more than 40 years now.
In 1972, when the centre first opened, parents paid just sixpence a week to join in.
And now, to celebrate reaching the musical milestone, anyone under 18 can go along to claim two free lessons in the instrument or group of their choice.
The centre offers a wide range of group and music lessons, from violin and guitar classes to Mini Music Maker for very young children.
It caters for people of all ages, musical abilities and experience and forms part of a network across the city, which now offers more classes than ever, including ukulele, beat-boxing, rock band, and Music Passport, where young people can try things out before choosing a class.
The South Leeds Music Centre is also inviting all present and past students to join it for a celebratory concert next February.
Ken Silver, who was the first head of the South Leeds Music Centre, said: “We would love to hear from any students who have attended South Leeds Music Centre since it began.
“Maybe you have gone on to become an accomplished musician – or perhaps you have an instrument gathering dust in a cupboard.
“Whatever your level, come and play in our 40 year celebration orchestra.”
Staff also run Morley Community Orchestra, which takes place on Wednesday evenings from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at Bruntcliffe High School, in partnership with Morley Cluster.
The orchestra is designed to be a first step, aimed at those who have just started an instrument or have a bit more experience but have not played as part of a group before.
It is also aimed at pupils who are learning through the wider opportunities scheme in their school.
Former students of South Leeds Music Centre who are interested in taking part in the concert should contact Artforms on 0113 230 4074 or by email to educ.artforms@leeds.gov.uk.
To claim the two free music sessions, under-18s should contact their local music centre.
Details of all Leeds music centres can be found at: www.artformsleeds.co.uk/musiccentres
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