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Andrea Vicari |
Headteacher slammed by star for failing to save music course
‘Elitist’ entry system scrapped, but teachers defend Pimlico programme
A RISING star of the jazz world, described by the late Humphrey Lyttelton as “a brilliant young British talent” has attacked the headteacher of Pimlico School for not doing enough to save its famous music course.
Andrea Vicari, the current darling of jazz critics and part-time teacher on the school’s Special Music Course, claimed headteacher Jo Shuter “had never been to a concert” and “didn’t give a sh**” about music.
Ms Vicari joined the campaign to save the prestigious course after sponsors of the soon-to-be academy announced they had secured its funding – but only for the 90 children currently enrolled and incoming Year 7 pupils.
Ms Shuter denied the claims, saying she had attended at least three school concerts and that music should be for everyone not just the minority.
Music staff and parents claim the pledge does not go far enough, demanding the 10 per cent admissions based on musical ability remain a permanent feature of the school in years to come.
Under plans for the new academy the selection policy will be scrapped because it is deemed to be too “elitist”.
Ms Vicari, who is also a Professor of Jazz at Trinity College of Music and has taught at the school for 17 years said: “Losing the course is going to drag the school back to mediocrity. It was the one thing that made Pimlico stand out.
“It is simply not true that it is only for middle class children and is elitist. There has never been any divide between music and non-music students.
“Pupils on the course are from all backgrounds, are often poor and help raise standards in the rest of the school.
“Music is stimulating – it unites people and it builds up confidence.
“As for Jo Shuter, she has never been to any concerts, never even really introduced herself to the music staff and quite frankly doesn’t give a sh** about music.
“I know it was not her decision but I do think she could have done more [to save the course].
“There are over 40 staff teaching music at the school and all of us are upset. Many are already looking for other jobs.”
Ms Vicari has four albums to her name and has recorded with some of the current jazz greats including Art Farmer, Eddie Harris, David Jean-Baptiste and Phil Robson.
Ms Shuter said: “It’s a complete lie. I’ve been to at least three concerts. I don’t know where this is coming from.
“I do think music should be for everyone but I was powerless in this whole decision. It was all above my head.”
The course was founded in the 1970s and has spawned a roll call of music stars including director of the Royal Opera House, Antonio Pappano, bad boy rapper and film star Ashley Walters and UK hip-hop king Roots Manuva.
Last month Mr Walters spoke out to try and save the course, which he credited with kick-starting his career.
He said scrapping the course would be “an absolute travesty” and called on parents, teachers and the new sponsors to fight for its future.
Jenny Vuglar, vice-chair of Friends of Pimlico Special Music said: “The money from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) gives us a breathing space to try and work out a way of continuing the course.
“However, the 10 per cent admissions on ability is crucial in both maintaining standards of excellence and in the ability to attract funding.
“If we are no longer a recognised centre of excellence we will attract neither talented students nor funding. Westminster’s intransigence on this issue is the main stumbling block for the continuance of this life-changing course.”
Academy sponsor John Nash, who until now has maintained a low-key role, said: “One of our key priorities this year has been to secure funding for pupils currently on the Special Music Course and we are delighted that the DCSF have provided us with this, ending the uncertainty for pupils, parents and staff.” |
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