The vision for a music school in Young came from a group of parents who wanted their children to have the opportunity to learn a variety of instruments.
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There were a few piano teachers in Young but none for other instruments.
The parents set up a non-profit, community based music school to serve the region.
It was agreed at a public meeting that the operation of the Young Regional School of Music would be by parents with small groups (task forces) to carry out the functions as the need arose.
This structure attempted to distribute responsibility throughout the group, particularly since all positions were voluntary and any parent could offer assistance.
Lessons commenced for Young Regional School of Music (YRSM) on July 14, 1984 with 40 students and three tutors.
Tutors travelled from Canberra on a fortnightly basis to teach piano, violin and cello.
With no ‘home’ or equipment, facilities at Young Public School were used for lessons with the support of the principal.
Over the years many venues were used for lessons. The hardest was finding places with suitable pianos.
Schools, the Young Services and Citizens Club and the Community Arts Centre were a few of the venues used for lessons.
1985 saw four new areas of music offered to the community. They were vocal, woodwind, brass and early childhood music.
One of the early hurdles the committee faced was finance.
Tutors were secured from larger centres such as Canberra, Wagga and Forbes so travel costs became a burden and fundraising was essential.
A grant was received in 1985 from the Australia Council on the basis that for every dollar raised locally, YRSM would receive a $3 grant with a ceiling of $6260, including the grant.
YRSM Committee was very busy over the years bringing quality performers to Young. Concerts were the main fundraiser for the school for many years.
Looking for ways to improve the delivery of music to the region, programs were established.
They included a keyboard laboratory, the schools instrumental music program, YRSM ensembles, school bands, drum corps, the small schools music program, creative music program and music therapy.
The acquiring of a ‘home’ for the music school in 1996 was a significant event.
The old headmaster’s residence, now part of the Community Arts Centre, provided teaching and administration facilities, and finally gave a focal point for YRSM.
It wasn’t long before the school had outgrown this facility and a new home was found in 2000.
This was the historic building that was formerly the police residence.
In 2006 the second police residence (two doors away) was also acquired due to the growing numbers of students.
The operation of Young Regional School of Music was by a voluntary committee until 1994 when it became part of the NSW Regional Conservatorium Program.
As a member of this group, funding became available on a yearly basis.
This enabled a paid position of administrator to be established.
A voluntary management committee still oversees the Young Regional School of Music.
From the vision of a group of parents in 1984 has grown a vibrant music school.
YRSM now has 21 tutors and reaches out with all its programs to more than 800 students from two years old to 80-plus.
It continues to grow and is the focal point for music in the Young region.