NSWO News

Nottingham’s Margaret Frogson has been awarded the Lady Hilary Groves prize by the Making Music, the national federation of music societies.  This prestigious prize, endorsed by Making Music's patron the Duchess of Kent, is presented annually to an individual of a Making Music member society making an outstanding contribution to music in the community.

Margaret’s award is in recognition of her achievements with leading Nottingham music society Nottingham Symphonic Winds.

Margaret was the founder of the group in 1987 and the number of players who have participated as past or present members has now exceeded 500. Margaret manages both the Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra and its sister group the Nottingham Wind Ensemble, taking care of every aspect of their smooth running.

Although many contribute to the running of the group, it is Margaret who has been its single biggest driving force behind its many achievements, which include:

- Developing the group from scratch to its current status giving regular concerts and participating in festivals and competitions.
- Staging over 300 concerts, including 44 outside the UK
- Running 9 overseas tours
- Recording three CDs
- Raising over £50,000 for local and national charities
- Establishing a series of educational concerts supported by hundreds of local children and their families

Members of the group past and present are delighted with the recognition that Margaret has received in this award.

"Margaret is the life and soul of the NSW. She is the founder of the group, the driving force behind its success and growth, and the reason top quality musicians continue to turn up to rehearsals every Sunday morning. With her ever determined business mindset, Margaret runs the group efficiently and with never failing precision, and with her personality she is a constant friend and fun person to be with".  Kate Brown, current member.

"NSW would be a mere shadow of what it is now, and what it will be, if Margaret Frogson were not at its head! I will always be grateful for the experience and enjoyment gained through my time with Nottingham Symphonic Winds".  Michelle Phillips, ex-member.

Margaret’s award will be made at a forthcoming Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra concert on 24^th March 2007 at the new recital hall at Nottingham Bluecoat School.  For more information and tickets for the concert, call 0115 941 0543.