East Midlands Region

Margaret Frogson - citation for Lady Hilary Groves Award

Through her vision and tireless dedication, Margaret Frogson has made a significant and lasting difference to the musical life of Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands. She has achieved this largely through the success of the musical society Nottingham Symphonic Winds, which is about to enter its twentieth year; and also through support and encouragement she has given to aspiring musicians, especially young musicians, in the community. Her personal warmth and care for those she has contact with has contributed greatly to the lives and aspirations of many musicians and their families in the region.

Co-founder and manager of Nottingham Symphonic Winds

The musical society Nottingham Symphonic Winds comprises two groups:

• Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra – established as one of the leading groups in the country, performing and winning awards at national level.
• Nottingham Wind Ensemble – a training group, which provides playing opportunities for those not able or wishing to participate in the ‘flagship’ group.
  (More information on Nottingham Symphonic Winds at www.nottinghamsymphonicwinds.org.uk)

Formed in 1987, the number of players who have participated as past or present members now exceeds 500. A number have been members since the beginning. Margaret continues to manage both groups, who meet weekly for rehearsal and perform regularly.

Her management role includes:

• Appointment of conductors
• Chairing the committee
• Organising and attending weekly rehearsals for two groups (~100 people)
• Scheduling and planning concerts
• Identifying, booking and liaising with venues
• Ensuring publicity and marketing materials are developed and distributed
• Maintaining a mailing list of supporters
• Recruiting new members
• Planning and organising tours
• Dealing with issues as they arise
   

Whilst by their very nature, community groups rely on contributions from many sources and individuals, Margaret has been the single biggest driving force the society’s achievements, which include:

• The development of NSWO to become a leading group in UK, winning a gold award at national level, participating in BASBWE festivals. 
• Staging more than 300 concerts, including 44 outside the UK
• Running 9 overseas tours – France (x2), Germany (x2), Ireland, Austria, Majorca, Holland, Czech Republic.
• Raising £50,000 for local and national charities
• Recording three CDs
• Establishment of a series of educational children’s concerts (the “Kidsophonic” concerts) in 1997, which continue to the present day, supported by hundreds of children and their families each year.
  
  Establishing links with leading composers, who have visited Nottingham to work with the group – Joseph Horovitz, Guy Woolfenden, Philip Sparke.
• Providing important development opportunities for many budding musicians who have gone on to pursue music as a profession – it is estimated that more than 30 professional players would count their time with NSW as key in their development.
• Establishing an extensive library of music, owned by the group, of 490 titles
• With partner David Oldershaw, in their capacity as group sponsors (Windblowers Music Shop), Margaret has made a financial contribution of more than £100,000 to the society.
• She has also attracted other funding (including Lottery) of >£90,000
• Margaret has contributed an estimated 10,000 hours of unpaid management time since the group’s inception, to ensure the society’s smooth running and continued success.

Sponsoring and nurturing local talent

Margaret dedicates herself to nurturing local talent, and has encouraged and supported many young musicians, from school children choosing their first instrument, to young professionals seeking to launch their careers. The individuals are too numerous to mention (they number in their thousands) but to highlight a few examples:

• Sponsoring the Nottingham Young Musician competition, and many other local educational events at schools and colleges
• Educational school visits to encourage uptake of instruments, and liaison with schools on their musical events.
• Sponsoring and supporting other local groups – e.g. Mistral Saxophone Quartet, Equinox Saxophone Ensemble, enabling them to commission and perform new work.
• Sponsoring new initiatives such as the Nottingham Saxophone Day for past two years, to enable saxophone professionals of international standing to coach saxophone players of Grade 5+ in performance and ensemble playing.
• Provided personal sponsorship for talented individuals seeking to establish solo careers. There are many examples, of which two notable ones are:
• Alistair Parnell – saxophonist, pianist, teacher, conductor and adjudicator. Margaret supported Alistair at the start of his playing career, by providing practical help and encouragement, and through Windblowers provided an instrument, enabling him to reach the Woodwind Final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 1984. Alistair subsequently studied at the Royal College of Music and has established a very successful musical career, throughout which Margaret has continued to provide support in the form of playing opportunities, conducting roles and financial support for new ventures, and, as always, advice and encouragement. 
• Matthew Billing – who, as a very young clarinetist, was a member of Nottingham Symphonic Winds, eventually leader of NSWO for several years. Windblowers provided Matthew with a clarinet suitable for professional use and, after studying at the Royal Academy, Matthew is now a solo performer and principal clarinet with RTE National Symphony Orchestra in Ireland. Matthew returns to Nottingham regularly and has performed as soloist with NSWO.

Pastoral role within the local musical community

In her capacity as local businesswoman, Margaret would count herself fortunate to be able to offer her time and financial support where it really counts.

However, for those that have contact with her, it is for less tangible qualities that she is really valued. A formidably capable organiser, she has great attention to detail and never fails to follow up enquiries, return calls, write letters of thanks and attend to the vital matters which ensure the day to day running of a successful society. 

This efficiency does not begin to convey her great personal warmth, and her ability to cultivate the feeling of an ‘extended family’ that so permeates all her dealings with people. She is able to uphold standards and maintain discipline, whilst being a figure of care and support for many people. This often extends beyond the direct business of music making to more personal issues – she has quietly helped many society members through times of great personal difficulty, and does so discreetly and without drama. She is someone to turn to for advice, and is unfailing generous with her time and her concern.