Tributes paid to music teacher who 'inspired many young people' (From Western Telegraph)

Tributes paid to music teacher who 'inspired many young people'

10:46am Tuesday 9th October 2012 in News

Tributes have been paid to Pembrokeshire music teacher, Tim Bourne, who died on Saturday at Withybush Hospital, aged 51.

Graham Longster, Pembrokeshire County Council’s director of education and children’s services, said Mr Bourne would be sadly missed by many students and staff in schools and also by his colleagues in the County Music Service.

Mr Longster said: “Tim worked as a teacher with the Pembrokeshire Music Service for over 21 years. In that time he inspired many young people with a love of music and music-making.

“He directed many of the school and county orchestras and bands who, under his leadership, achieved great acclaim in both national and international youth music festivals.

“Our thoughts are with his parents, his brother Alan and his family.”

Mr Bourne conducted the County Schools orchestra, County Schools wind band and the county Big Band.

He contributed much to Tenby’s Greenhill School orchestra and the Sir Thomas Picton School orchestra in Haverfordwest and took both to the finals of the National Festival of Music for Youth in London and Birmingham.

Outside his work with schools, Mr. Bourne was involved in community music groups such as the Pembroke Borough Brass Band.

As well as his involvement with the musical education of thousands of young people in Pembrokeshire over the years, he also accompanied pupils on trips to foreign music festivals.

Born in Pembrokeshire, he attended Pembroke School before furthering his music studies in university at Aberystwyth.

The funeral takes place on Saturday (October 13th), with a service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 10am.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Friends of Pembrokeshire Schools Orchestra.