The Future & Alpha Entek

The financial problems, take-over and subsequent demise of Sequential in 1987 had left the music world without probably the most important innovator after Robert Moog. The company that pioneered computer controlled synthesis was no more.

Despite creating MIDI, the connection protocol that made today's music machines possible, it lacked the resources to stand up against the plethora of cheaper and increasingly good instruments that it's innovations spawned. Attempts to compete in that lower cost market probably contributed to the final ironic downfall.

It was decided to start filling the void & pay our tribute to those who went before. As a great man said, 'to reach the stars we stand on the shoulders of giants'. Alpha Entek was re-born, currently concentrating on expansion of servicing to cover most aspects of the music industry. However further plans wait in the wings.

It is time World Class electronic musical instruments were designed and built by a British company. We should join that elite league headed by America & Japan. Our multi-cultural society is a hotbed of talent who's expression is seen in many products made outside Britain and the Union.

That talent should be recognised and supported at home. Failure to do so has been the underlying weakness of this country for many years. An appreciation of skill & talent has put the East in an enviable position. Support & encouragement of innovation is their strength.

'Built in Britain' and 'Built in Europe' should be proudly displayed on our wares for all to see. Carefully crafted replicas of past classics are not the way to honour the early pioneers. Progress should not be frozen in a 'time warp' but should constantly be pushed forward. That was their motivation & should be ours.

Above all it is time to restore Creative Vision to the Music Industry. Manufacture has been controlled for far too long by blinkered accountancy & the cynical pursuit of profit alone. This reflects the decline in genuine creativity exhibited by much music from this country.

If we can escape from the culture of manufactured singers & production only records who knows? Maybe the major manufacturers will see the light. If they can't get out of the groove of digital workstations & sample players it may be time for some new blood. It has happened before.

Maybe music can become a major part of our lives again. We can't expect the brave new world of the 'fifties & 'sixties to re-emerge. But music & culture may be able to lift the crushing burden of finance based materialism. Money may not be the root of all evil but its sole pursuit, above all else, has created a drab, sad, soulless world, as all can see.

From 1978 to 1994 Ron Lebar served as a London Borough Councilor. Eight years in opposition then eight years in the victorious controlling party. Winning four Local elections with a steadily increasing majority.

From 1986 many cherished plans were put into practice and the Authority became the most innovative in modern history. In that year, with the dissolution of the I.L.E.A. he became a member of a newly formed Education Authority, learning much about the problems facing schools and helping solve many at a local level.

In eight years the Authority went from the most deprived in Britain to some way up the National League Tables.

At the 1994 election he re-assessed priorities, standing down in order to concentrate on home and business. Passing the baton to a chosen successor. Knowledge gained during Education Committee Membership was put to use at The Service Zone with a policy of providing Music service within schools' budgets.

A trouble-making tendency that got him into Local politics is still active, put to use in different ways. We will campaign on any issue that, to us, seems relevant, using whatever means are available. This World needs a lot of help if it is to continue sustaining human presence.