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Music for the many not the few
PHIL HARGREAVES sings the praises of a unique annual music encounter
One of the many workshops [Author supplied]

MUSIC is possibly the most transformative of the arts, and since 1936 the Workers’ Music Association has been exploring the possibilities inherent in allying that with the transformative political project.

I am typing this still in the sparkly glow from the 2024 WMA Summer School, which finished last week — I am proud to be jazz tutor at the school, and a vice president of the association.

Most other summer schools focus on a particular style of music, or even a particular instrument. The WMA school, held at Ingestre Hall near Stafford, is far more ecumenical, offering various strands of classical music, folk, jazz and a wide range of opportunities for singers across the spectrum.

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