Having followed your reports and correspondence on the Noise Abatement problem facing Wiltshire Rural Music School, I wholeheartedly support all that has been said.

The highly valued relationship with the pupils of John of Gaunt School dates from the days when WRMS provided the only instrumental teaching in Wiltshire schools. However, this is but part of the community service the charity provides. Where else are adults of all ages and abilities, beginners, returners and veterans, welcome to join in the enriching experience of making music together without obligation to perform? The orchestral sessions are stepping stones for players who pass on to Trowbridge Orchestra or other groups and for those stepping back from an active music life due to age or infirmity.

This unique service is something Wiltshire can be proud of and whilst other activities such as bursaries to school children and instrument and music hire can continue in our own premises, silent music is impossible!

Mary Macey,

Treasurer,

Wiltshire Rural Music School.

I spent Mother's Day morning listening to a dazzling array of young musicians taking part in the National Festival of Music for Youth at the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon.

The John of Gaunt School, having entered a brass ensemble, brass band and a large windband, was singled out by the adjudicators as being a very special school with such a wealth of musical talent available to it.

The school has a very strong brass contingent and the majority of players have their lessons in the Wiltshire Rural Music School.

It therefore astonishes me that the actions of one person might threaten not only the existence of this invaluable community resource, but also the ability of the John of Gaunt School to maintain its extremely high standard of musicianship.

I urge West Wilts District Council to think again about its policy of stopping brass lessons at WRMS and allow this example of excellence to continue.

Jacqui Hessing,

Rodwell Hall,

St Thomas' Road,

Trowbridge.

We are sixth form students at the John of Gaunt school and take brass instrument lessons at the Wiltshire Rural Music School. We have been shocked at the situation that has developed at WRMS.

We cannot believe the selfishness of one person is jeopardising the future of brass playing there. Currently no full-sized brass bands from John of Gaunt rehearse at WRMS, the school ensembles have practiced in classrooms for a number of years. The playing that does occur at WRMS is in music lessons which involve no more than two instruments at one time. These lessons only occur on three and a half days a week.

We have worked hard in lessons to reach standards that enable us to play and represent Trowbridge and the county in various bands and orchestras, helping to present the area in a good light.

The music centre provides excellent facilities for us to learn in. The teaching rooms are far better than the facilities at John of Gaunt, which are small and reverberate when brass instruments are played.

Many players at the school are working towards recitals in ABRSM, GCSE, AS and A level exams and practicing in sub-standard accommodation threatens our chances of success.

People in this paper have been quick to criticise young people's behaviour and this centre is providing a social and constructive environment for us to learn in. We are extremely grateful for the support and help the staff and volunteers at WRMS have given us.

We just hope the council and tenant realise their mistake and allow us to continue working in this resource.

Jenny Greatwood,

Chris Jackson,

Donna Lewis,

The John of Gaunt School.

I AND many others who crammed into the auditorium of the Bradford Music Centre for the regional heats of the National Festival of Music for Youth on March 10, were quite literally 'blown away' by the young musicians who performed.

However, particular mention must be given to the John of Gaunt school's brass musicians, who provided an outstanding and tightly executed programme, worthy of a professional performance.

As the adjudicators commented, this is without doubt a reflection on the quality of the teaching within both the brass and music departments at the school.

It is high time John of Gaunt was designated as a centre of excellence for brass playing within the county, and was given both the recognition and funding it deserves. Perhaps then, the disputes about the noise coming from the Wiltshire Rural Music School can be resolved.

SHEILA NEARY,

Avenue Road,

Trowbridge.