Born in 1977 under the impetus of passionate individuals united within the “Friends of Music of the Canton of Rabastens”, the first music school aimed at “making the city resonate”. Located on rue Gustave-de-Clausade, it offered piano, guitar, wind instruments, and choir, before closing in 1982 due to lack of students. In 1987, the municipality revived the initiative with the creation of the municipal school. Led by figures like Bernard Alquier, Antoine Garrigues, and Alain Urbain, it quickly gained popularity. From 70 students in 2015, it now welcomes 165, proving that “music continues to attract people of all ages,” says Samantha Giouse, the municipal agent in charge of administration.
The latest development, as of last September, saw the creation of two ensemble classes – one rock and the other jazz. “The goal? To learn to play together!” emphasize Thomas Levade and Lucas Ghelfi, who lead them, respectively a saxophone teacher and the school coordinator, and a guitar teacher. The two groups will perform at the upcoming Music Festival, while the students showcase their work twice a year during Christmas and June presentations, as well as once publicly during the Spring of the Poets event this year. A school that certainly does not lack rhythm.
