IPSWICH ARTS ASSOCIATION
MUSIC FORUM

Notes from Music Forum meeting 28/2/11

1.	Attending: Pat Grimwade (Chair) Ipswich Orchestral Society, Simon Pulham (Ips. Light Organ Soc.), Pat Peddie, (Orwell Singers), Paul Smith (Ips. Recorded Music Soc.), Ian Payne, (Wolsey Orch.) Tina Todd (Music & Drama Library, Vera Rogers, (Sec. IA Apologies: Alan Loader (Music @ Rushmere), Martje Roondeboom (Magical Musical Moments), John Treadway (Woodbridge Chamber Concerts), Peter Crompton (RHS), Maria Page (IODS), Andrew Leach (Ips. School).
2.	Notes of last meeting: there was a very positive response about the value of Ben Matthew’s talk on publicity. One member said that his advice had produced positive results!
3.	Matters arising: Alan Loader has resigned as Vice-chair due to other commitments. There is now a vacancy for this post.
4.	Ip-art and Music Day 2011: Invitations have gone out for the Classical Stages. In addition to the Wolsey Gallery and St. Margaret’s Church, Bethesda church is also available. The outline list of Ip-art events promises more “classical” events this year. The brochure should be available around Easter.
5.	Concert Calendar: details of the new Concert Calendar Protocol have been sent to societies, and attention was drawn to the importance of these being followed. It was agreed that this is a useful tool for all societies, but that liaison with the large visiting orchestras, such as RPO, could be improved. It is important that details of proposed dates and programmes are available in good time.
6.	Libraries: there was a lively and informative Q&A session with Tina Todd of the Music & Drama library with reference to the current consultation about cuts. In fact the M&D library has seen an increased in borrowing, because of the increased number of concerts and events in the area. Concern was expressed at the effect of national cutbacks in M&D services, as so many musical societies rely on the inter-library loan scheme.
7.	News and Dates: IAA’s response to IBC’s Cultural Strategy questionnaire was noted. An IAA photo quiz evening is being arranged for this summer. The new charges for security staff at the Corn Exchange are of concern. These are being investigated by IAA Better advance notice of Waterfront events offering publicity opportunities, such as the Fayre in November, would be appreciated. Date of next meeting: 26th September (TBC)