The Cyfeillion Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (The Friends of the William Mathias Music Centre) was founded in1997. In 2002 it was established as a Registered Charity with the object of “ the advancement of public education in the arts of music, dance, drama, poetry, television and film, in particular but not exclusively by supporting the charitable work of the Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias and other charities established for similar purposes in North Wales.”
The Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, located in Galeri in Victoria Dock Caernarfon, is a dynamic space for all styles of music. It provides music tuition of a high standard from absolute beginners to professional levels, and offers valuable opportunities for members of the whole community to develop their musical potential.
At present, around 350 students receive regular individual instrumental and vocal tuition from a team of 30 experienced tutors. In addition, general musicianship classes, creative music sessions for adults who have learning disabilities, music listening clubs for adults, chamber music, popular, folk and jazz music workshops, master classes by eminent musicians, classes for young children and various concerts and performances are arranged on a regular basis. All this in a friendly and positive atmosphere.
The Friends financially support the work of the Canolfan through regular grants. The Friends also provides direct help to the students of the Canolfan through the Mary Costello Musical Instrument Fund and the recently established Bursary Fund.
What the Friends can give depends entirely on the strength of its membership, members’ subscriptions and gifts and on its money raising activities.
The Friends also support the performances of the students particularly in the Galeri and give help from time to time to the Canolfan by helping to steward these events and in other practical ways.
Each year a programme of special events is organised for the friends. This includes visits to centres of excellence like the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester; performances by the students; major artists, and music groups in various special venues throughout the region and other social events. Details are set out in the section “Friends Events”
More Friends are needed to help maintain and increase the current level of support of at least £5000 a year.
By becoming a Friend you will help to support a high quality music teaching resource in North Wales. You will have advance notice of our musical events and priority booking, as well as a regular up-date on the activities of the Canolfan Gerdd. And have some fun too.
A membership application form and gift aid declaration form are attached and can be downloaded. Alternatively contact Chris Bate, Bryn-y-Mor, Ffordd Caergybi, Bangor, LL57 2HG, for an application form. Or phone him on 01248 372395.
Membership Application Form
Friends Events
Friday 7th March 2008
Studio 2, Galeri, Caernarfon.
'Friends' Annual General Meeting and Concert.
The Annual general meeting will be preceded by a short concert featuring students from Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias. Admission Free
Saturday 14th June
Music in the Garden
Music by students of Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias. At Tan Pentre Mawr, Llangoed, by kind permission of Dr and Mrs Meurig Hughes. 2pm - 5pm. Plants and produce stalls. Admission £3, children £1, tea and cake £2. Proceeds towards the Friends and Churches of Beaumaris Parish.
Others events in 2008 include:
October - Wine and Cheese Party, including student concert
December 7th - Christmas Party
News
The Friends established a Bursary Scheme to help young talented students meet the cost of their tuition and courses. This scheme is vital to ensuring that any talented musicians can receive tuition at the Canolfan regardless of their ability to pay. There is a great and urgent need to provide funds for this scheme. The Scheme currently costs over £4000 a year to meet the many demands placed upon it and support of the scheme is urgently required.
For further information contact Clive Smart on 01248 853795 or E-mail clivefsmart@aol.com |
