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| Thanks for the Music - Sam Richards |
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On the lunchtime of Thursday March 29th, Dartington College of Arts Studio 3, there was a concert of my music performed by staff and students of the music department. As well as being a valid event in its own right, it was also a grand gesture of solidarity and support which aroused in me conflicting responses.
I could not wish for better performances. A deep understanding of the many faces of new music informed the interpretation of each piece. As I sat there enjoying the rare luxury of hearing a whole bunch of my compositions being played I reflected on how glad I am to number those members of staff and students among my friends and musical associates.
Then I reflected that these brilliant people are, at present, no longer my colleagues due to the accusations of “gross misconduct” and “insubordination” recently brought against me by the college and upheld at a disciplinary hearing, resulting in the royal order of the boot. I admit to a tinge of regret here, although this does not reflect in any way on what I think of the website article that prompted my “trial” and removal.
My deepest regret, however, stems from the thought that if the proposed closure of the college goes ahead Dartington and Totnes will lose events such as this. Of course, there may be other events in the locality, and some of them may be worthy enough. But a tightly knit music department, with highly skilled staff and student groups that can coalesce so quickly and so beautifully – this will become a thing of the past if the plans of the power elites go ahead.
I can almost hear the pro-Falmouth lobby (miniscule though it is) retort that such events will start to happen in Falmouth – so why be sentimental about Dartington? There is no reason to deny this possibility, although my suspicion is that such a view would be simplistic in the extreme. However, as far as Totnes and Dartington are concerned it makes no different whether we refer to Falmouth or Outer Mongolia. Loss is loss. Closure is closure. An appalling lack of genuine concern for the depth of the Dartington experience and traditions is at the heart of this prospect.
I am not at liberty to comment on my own case as it is still in process. However, this does not stop me from reiterating what the Save Dartington College Campaign, along with countless others, has said from Day One. The closure of the college would be an educational, artistic, social, local, national and international tragedy of inestimable proportions. We continue to be outraged that it should even be contemplated, and we will continue to fight it until the only acceptable conclusion is reached – that Dartington College of Arts, in some shape or form, remains where it belongs.
When that decision is reached – well dammit, I’ll ask those wonderful musicians to play more of my stuff.
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