No more Casino Club? Tell that to Wigan Music Service!

Even the youth of today know about Clubland Wigan. 

There is evidence everywhere of the musical success the town enjoyed during the '80s and '90s: Wigan Pier – where its now demolished nightclub was the capital of the clubland scene in the North - or historic Haigh Hall, where The Verve blew 33,000 ecstatic fans away at their hometown concert in 1998. 

A warm memory of the Northern Soul movement that put this place on the musical map lives on too - in different musical mediums - through emerging indie bands such as The Lathums and The K’s, and older readers can cast their minds back to the days of George Formby and his ukelele, smiling as he sings When I’m Cleaning Windows on a flickering black and white television screen. 

It is clear to see that the town has always loved music, and music feels just the same about the town.

However - away from the living, breathing dance beats that served as a soundtrack to life here in the past - at the service’s base in Hindley, and Hope Academy in Newton-le-Willows, a very different kind of music can be heard. 

This music involves very different instruments, playing very different songs, but the same sentiment serves as the bassline: a love for music, and how it can shape lives.

Wigan Music Service in its current incarnation has been operating since 1994, although the organisation traces its origins back to the late '70s. 

It was founded to give the people of Wigan – and the surrounding area - chances to thrive, and that is exactly what it strives to do to this day. 

Whether these people are confident, or not so much, dedicated volunteers – and kindly peers – create an environment of kindness and love (and by no means short of incredible talent) for those of every single background you can think of.

Volunteers also work at the service as private music teachers, at very reduced rates for students, in recognition of the fact that many pupils aren’t as wealthy as they would like to be. 

These younger pupils in Wigan Youth Orchestra take part in concerts in front of sell-out crowds at local churches; most recently at St Thomas’s and St Luke’s Church in Ashton-in-Makerfield.

Concerts shine a glowing light on the talent that the service nurtures, and it is truly incredible to see how the people of Wigan are willing to embrace the delights of refined and unique styles of music, expertly performed by the youth of the town itself.

To be able to pull off concerts and competitions, various different ensembles meet up after work or school (all ages are provided for) from big bands to jazz quartets, and the impressive full symphony orchestra. 

It’s impossible not to walk away as a fan of jazz, big band, or classical music after listening to and playing pieces from some of the most impressive musical composers in history, from Leonard Bernstein – who created the music to West Side Story – to Russian greats like Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky. 

Loyal volunteers are always there to lend a helping hand, giving up weeknights and even some competition weekends in order to give eager youths a chance to thrive.

Splendid serenades and stunning symphonies get stuck in your head until the next session a week later, and endless opportunities are given to make friends, but also to showcase bedroom talent on the starstruck stage.

In July, the youth orchestra is going on tour. 

Like the famed indie bands of the '90s, orchestral tours involve long journeys by coach, but instead of audiences wearing tank tops and ripped jeans, white collars and tailored trousers will be worn all round inside some of the grandest venues of Zaragoza, Spain. 

Opportunities like the Spain trip highlight the extent at which volunteers and Wigan Council go to delivering the very best chances for every personality in this musically unique town.

At the service’s weekly youth orchestra rehearsal on a Thursday night, it’s easy to see how the work everyone does helps the young people a lot more than just musically.

Head of Music Service Dave Little gives an insight into the organisation's importance for the youngsters in particular. 

He says that the hub “breaks down social barriers,” bringing together “social groups of people with similar interests.” 

He added that, with the deliberately named Really Awful Orchestra, adults of any standard can be part of a musical community, and around 50 people each week participate in this inclusive initiative.

Sophie and Jacob are part of the double bass section of the youth orchestra. 

Their instruments are among the largest in the ensemble and an absolute pain in the neck to carry so Sophie makes use of the giant instrument the music service provides, borrowing one for every rehearsal. 

Jacob attends the prestigious Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester but continues to enjoy the youth orchestra every Thursday night, really showing the importance of the service for both beginners and the top young instrumentalists of not only the UK, but also the world.

Music services can be found up and down the country. 

There are hubs in nearby Bolton, St Helens, and Trafford, and if they are anything like Wigan’s, it is absolutely crucial for everyone involved that they carry on providing not only musical tuition, but also a place to belong, to be challenged, and to succeed for thousands of children and adults in the areas where – ordinarily - there aren’t many opportunities at all.