Macclesfield has seen lots of institutions celebrate major anniversaries this year.

Arighi Bianchi turned 170, Macclesfield Rugby Club recently celebrated 150 years in action, and Macclesfield Music Centre is the latest to party with a 30th anniversary bash.

Macclesfield Music Centre is an independent, registered charity, offering everyone in Macclesfield and the surrounding community the opportunity to enjoy making music.

Music is performed by groups and ensembles at all levels, with members ranging from toddlers to pensioners.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON: The charity is powered by five trustees, and 20 volunteers. (Image - Macclesfield Music Centre)

Tanja Bastia, of Macclesfield Music Centre spoke with Macclesfield Nub News about reaching their recent milestone.

"I've been attending Macclesfield Music Centre for five years and recently joined the Business Committee," said Tanja.

"My daughter started attending music for young children when the Centre was still based at King's School at Queen's Avenue. They have since moved to Fallibroome Academy, where we are based to this day.

"Macclesfield Music Centre offers its services to all residents of Macclesfield and surrounding areas. It was set up 30 years ago with the intention of promoting the love of music for all, with the provision of affordable and accessible music training.

A recent summer class for adults, at Tytherington School. (Image - Macclesfield Music Centre)

"Today, we are a registered charity offering a range of beginner classes through to jazz bands and string orchestras and special projects in collaboration with the Northern Chamber Orchestras as well as ukulele groups and a community choir. It is great to know that every Saturday, we are able to offer specialist music training as well as opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities to come together and enjoy themselves through music playing.

"The fact that this Centre has been able to continue operating and grow for three decades is a true testament to the many people who give their time and energy throughout the years to make this happen.

A 30th anniversary concert was recently held, with 180 minutes of live performance.

"The anniversary concert was a great success," revealed Tanja.

A euphoric snap from the recent annviersary concert. (Image - Macclesfield Music Centre)

"Our programme included over three hours of music, including a piano recital, saxophone ensembles, windbands, beginner groups, string ensembles, chamber choir, community choir, ukulele group, advanced orchestra and our big band.

"Music ranged from classical Beethoven pieces to popular songs, such as True Colours and Lean on Me, and lots in between! It was great to see people of all ages perform!"

Macclesfield Music Centre has survived eight prime ministers, three recessions, one pandemic. Furthermore, the charity has continued to be a lifeline for local creatives despite huge cuts to music education in the schools sector.

"We offer skilled tuition in a range of music instruments from beginner to advanced musicians," explained Tanja.

The new term starts this Saturday. (Image - Macclesfield Music Centre)

"Those who have never played, whether children or adults, are able to start picking up music skills and learn to play an instrument in a fun and supportive environment. Adults who might have played as children, but then left their instruments to gather dust in the attic, have the opportunity to start playing again, taking individual lessons or by joining a group or an orchestra."

Performances can be enjoyed on their YouTube channel, or of course, in person.

In a world where classical/orchestral instruments are picked up less and less every day, Macclesfield Nub News asked Tanja how important do you think it is that services like Macclesfield Music Centre still exist today?

"We provide tuition but also a whole community environment, where people can learn new skills but also make friendships and new connections within the community," she answered.

"In today's world where we are super-connected, but where there is also a lot of loneliness and isolation, both are important."

Starting from this Saturday 14th September, the good cause will offer eight beginner classes starting for under 18s, including: recorder, flute, clarinet, saxophone, cello, violin, bassoon, and ukulele. This is just our beginner programme. We then also have improver/ intermediate and advanced string groups, orchestras, an adventurous/ intermediate ukulele group and a jazz band.

Registration costs only £35 for under 18s and £75 for adults, for a whole term and includes admission to as many groups as is possible for one person to fit into their Saturday morning. They also offer a free trial period for the first two weeks, so you can try and see how you like a group or orchestra session.

.You can register for this Saturday's event on their website, and find more information about the 30-year-old organisation on their Facebook.

"Come along and give us a try," Tanja teased.

"It is incredibly good value for money!

"I am extremely grateful to everyone who works so hard to make this happen in Macclesfield. It has given me the opportunity to restart playing the piano after a very long pause, get over my shyness about singing in a choir and learn a new instrument (the ukulele).

"I see how much my daughter enjoys playing the violin and how she picks up new skills while having fun. I hope to see others enjoy this place and what it has to offer."

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