A local young people’s music club is celebrating its belated 40th birthday with a reunion in June and concert in May.
Plymouth Musical Activities Club (PMAC) consists of young people aged between nine and 18 along with adult volunteers, is busy rehearsing for a special concert which will see the club perform a selection of their most loved songs from over 40 years. The concert takes place in the Devonport Playhouse on May 13 and 14.
As well as the concert, members past and present are invited to a reunion at the Green Taverners at Home Park on June 25. It will be an opportunity for those who were and still are a part of PMAC to meet, share memories and even play their instruments if they wish. Tickets are on sale for £5 for past members. Those interested can go along to Courtlands School where PMAC rehearse on a Thursday night or call Carole on 07926 029268 or Margaret on 07805 906297 for tickets.
Established in 1980, Plymouth MAC was started in Thornbury School by David Ashley, a community education tutor at the time. His vision was to involve young people from all backgrounds in live music in Plymouth. Through teaching and concerts the club continues to ‘Keep Music Live’ over 40 years on.
The club moved to Widey Court Primary School and then to Courtlands School and over that time the group has played in some prestigious venues including the Theatre Royal Plymouth and the ‘Conservatoire de Musique’ on a visit to Brest in France.
More frequent activities have also taken place including annual concerts and Christmas concerts at Devonport Playhouse, performances on Lord Mayor’s Day, concerts for the Rotary, RNLI and other charities, numerous school fairs and late night shopping performances.
Plymouth MAC has sections for many instruments including guitars, keyboards, percussion, drums, flutes, clarinets and a singing section.
The young people have been supported by a dedicated team of volunteers for four decades. These volunteers teach the children how to play instruments and other staff members support the running of the club in numerous other ways behind the scenes.
Some of these staff started with the club as nine year old children themselves and are now bringing their own children along to learn an instrument.
After David Ashely sadly passed away in 2001, the club was left in safe hands with musical directors Margaret Johns and Judy Roberts.
Margaret said:
“It’s hard to believe that it was 40 years ago that PMAC started. We have fond memories of working with David Ashley at that time to get the club to where it is today.
“Over the years we have seen hundreds of members join and some have stayed on to become staff volunteers and are still with us today. It is a testament to those volunteers giving up their free time that we are still able to provide this opportunity for young people.”
Looking ahead to the concert Judy said:
“Our audiences can look forward to a journey down memory lane. We asked our members past and present what their favourite ‘MAC’ songs were and we have a really uplifting programme to play for you in May. We would love to see as many familiar faces at the concert to sing along to some of the favourite songs.”
Tickets for the concert are £6 and available from Angela Fuller on 01752 773482. For more information visit www.plymouthmac.co.uk
