Yeovil Music Centre was founded in 1969 by staff from the music department of Yeovil College. Soon after its conception, pianist and teacher, Margaret Gant took over the reins and invited other teachers to help. Local teachers Sonja Helliar and Janice Sugg assisted Maureen in the early days and soon Yeovil had its own flourishing music centre, encouraging and aiding budding musicians of all ages. 

 Many teachers have been involved over the years, each adding their own unique style of educating, encouraging and inspiring students, Will Antell, Bert Parton, Clive Webb, Paul Wendell, Alison Rees, Ruth Jones, Ian Gibbins, Elise Gourlay & Robert Martin, to name but a few. Yeovil Music Centre would like to thank those 50+ local musicians and music teachers for contributing their skills and enthusiasm to furthering the musical education and enjoyment of the 1000’s of young people who have passed through our doors.

The centre has incorporated many diverse musical groups, for example The Suzuki Strings, Bertie's Big Band, Folk Bands, Choirs, Pop Groups, Orchestras, Wind Bands and ensembles of every shape and size.   

Over the years local people have had a variety of opportunities to hear the various Music Centre bands and ensembles play, for example: at the annual South Somerset Music Spectaculars. Many will have heard the Yeovil Youth Concert Band perform at school fairs (including those at  St. Gildas, Holy Trinity and Huish), at Lufton College, or at Abbey Manor Community Centre, The Octagon Theatre or Westland Sports and Social Club.

Eventually, Somerset County Council captained the helm of the music centre , firstly in the guise of SOMMITS and then as Somerset Music. In July 2008 Yeovil Music Centre became independent once more.

In all this time two constant factors have been evident, a constant supply of talented musicians from the Yeovil area and dedicated teaching staff. 

The Tuck Shop, voluntarily managed and operated by parents for the sole purpose of supporting the music centre, has been an integral part of Yeovil Music Centre since 1996. Besides providing refreshments and information each week they have, over the years, sponsered: trips to shows, weekend adventures to Osmington and Kilve, discos, barbecues, all trophies and awards, extra musical instruments, musical equipment and sheet music.

Today Yeovil Music Centre offers many musical adventures and activities. Let us all hope that in the future we can continue to assist in the education, inspiration, development and nurturing of the wealth of talent that Yeovil consistently produces. 

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Janice has loaned some photos from the early days that will appear here soon together with scans of some prized certificates.