Charity which supports young musicians meets specially branded bus

A charity which provides opportunities for young musicians has met a bus emblazoned with its cause.

Chiltern Music Academy was the inaugural runner-up of the Brand the Bus competition run by High Wycombe-based Carousel Buses.

Local good causes were invited to participate, with Chiltern Music Academy chosen to have its branding placed on the rear of a Carousel Buses vehicle, along with on-board advertising and a radio advertising package courtesy of Wycombe Sound.

The branded bus features Chiltern Music Academy pupil and trombonist Lucy Nash-Steer, who was in attendance for the official launch of the vehicle.

Alex King, Development Manager at Chiltern Music Academy, said: “We are thrilled that Carousel Buses has given us this wonderful opportunity. Chiltern Music Academy is a charity providing outstanding musical activities to families. The advantages of music education should not just be for the wealthy – every child can benefit if only they know about us.

“Buses carry these same students to school each day. To cover a bus with an invitation to join Chiltern Music Academy is to inspire young people to take their place in a safe, welcoming community and to build a future for themselves through music.

“The bus will carry the message ‘music makes us heard’ – and it does. Chiltern Music Academy supports young people aged three to 18 as they find their voice, grow in confidence and build lasting friendships. 

“On behalf of our 400 students, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Carousel Buses for their support and encouragement and for this glorious rear of bus design.”

Chiltern Music Academy was formed in July 2014 by a group of parents and music professionals passionate about the development of musicianship.

Luke Marion, Managing Director at Carousel Buses, said: “The submission from Chiltern Music Academy was eye-catching, and we’re delighted to help raise the profile of the charity.

“There were a number of strong entrants, demonstrating the excellent worthy causes delivering so much good in our community.

“We were so impressed that we provided an additional runner-up prize for Wycombe Homeless Connection, which has received a combined six-week on-bus and radio advertising package.”

In total, 42 good causes entered and attracted more than 5,500 public votes before a judging panel selected the winner and runners-up. Thames Valley Air Ambulance scooped the £60,000 first prize.

Liam Gates, Managing Director at Wycombe Sound, said: “This was the first year Brand the Bus has run in the High Wycombe area, and it was incredible to see how many non-profits entered and the amount of public support we saw from the campaign.

“We here at Wycombe Sound were privileged to be involved and can’t wait to see the winners in the local area and hear them on the airwaves of Wycombe Sound very soon.

“Our winners and runners-up all do incredible things in our community, and it’s so important that we take a moment to recognise and support what they each do.

“Non-profits and community organisations are vital to the success of the area, and without them South Bucks wouldn’t be the same.”