The borough’s alive with the sound... (From Wandsworth Guardian)

The borough’s alive with the sound...

9:46pm Sunday 28th February 2010

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By Community Correspondent William Dyson Having been to a recent gig featuring a band which started out in a Wandsworth secondary school, the same school responsible for a number of other great bands, I got thinking about the opportunities that young people have to express themselves and make use of their many talents.

As a borough, much is done to promote the talents and skills of young people. Schemes such as the young performer of the year mean that young people have the opportunity to express themselves creatively and are encouraged to pursue these talents.

In a society that, in my opinion, is focused heavily on manufacturing the young population into university, it is essential that the arts are still encouraged and embraced in school children. I feel that may people fail to understand that academic study right up to degree level is not for everyone, and the creative and performing arts should continue to be a valued part of society.

It is not to say, however, that the population of school children should leave education behind and audition for a reality TV singing contest, no names mentioned. Instead, I feel that the focus of the creativity should move away from the winning and more towards the actual enjoyment. Aiming high is good, but should not be the sole reason for young people to pursue singing, acting dancing or other music. It should be about the passion, the commitment and the enjoyment of doing what you love.

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