Saxophonist Mick Allport has set up a new charity to help disadvantaged children get into music.
The former Blues and Royals army bandsman is already prominent on the Marlborough music scene, teaching youngsters from his home in Barnfield and running two young people’s jazz groups, the Jazzports and Marlborough Youth Jazz Orchestra.
Now – with the help of Colin Green, of Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames – he is in the midst of launching OnTrack, which will provide instruments and lessons to youngsters who would not otherwise be able to afford them.
It aims to attract children living in deprived areas, but is also looking to work with children from military bases and young offenders.
Mr Allport said: “My daughter is at the Chetham’s Music School and is a talented saxophonist, but when she was at St John’s in Marlborough she was below average in music and I thought ‘what would it be like for kids like her without parents like us?’.
“I was a detective with Thames Valley Police for 13 years and in the time I served in the force I very rarely had cause to arrest someone who was part of a social group.”
Mr Allport and Mr Green are now visiting youth groups in Marlborough and Hungerford, getting youngsters involved in jam sessions and teaching them to use the music software Garage Band.
“In an hour we’ve got them creating something quite impressive,” Mr Allport said.
“Once they’re interested we tell them that we can teach them to play any instrument.
The charity relies on donations – to contribute, visit www.ontrackmusicservices.org.uk or email info@ontrackmusicservices.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here