The National Youth Orchestra
Archway Learning Trust musicians took part in a fantastic day of performances and practical music workshops led by the National Youth Orchestra at the beginning of term.
Bluecoat Aspley, Beechdale and Wollaton students joined their peers at The Nottingham Emmanuel School to meet teenage players from across Great Britain to listen, play and discover what it is like to make music in an orchestra.
On Monday 16th September the National Youth Orchestra musicians ran workshops , played pop up performances across the school and gave performances of their Proms piece Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet with conductor, Karin Henrickson.
Martha Toogood is the Arts Enrichment and Enhancement Coordinator at The Archway Learning Trust and said that she hoped the event would be a stimulus for more students to develop their interest in music and perhaps take up their own instrument. “Emmanuel was immersed in music and passion when the National Youth Orchestra played; the air was literally buzzing with beautiful, bold, stunning sounds and energy. This orchestra of teenagers inspired an enthusiastic audience of hundreds of students and staff who welcomed them to every corridor and classroom, gym, music rooms and even the sports hall to join in making and enjoying music.”
“This was such an incredible day, supported by the teachers of the music departments in the Archway Learning Trust academies. We know the National Youth Orchestra will inspire and strengthen our young music makers and continue to be the talk of our schools.”
Bluecoat Wollaton Academy, Head Boy, Reuben Hallsworth-Woods (Year 10) took part in the day. He has played the trumpet since his primary school was given a grant to support pupils to study a new instrument. He has since gone on to join various orchestras including Nottingham’s Youth Orchestra and says his enjoyment of playing has increased over the years. “I think this event at Emmanuel is a good way of opening up students to the different types of music that exist and to discover that orchestras don’t just play classical music. It is very important that the younger generation don’t get tied up on one type of music, they should explore different styles.
“I would recommend that students take up an instrument, to find out what they like, or don’t like! I know when I first started that I didn’t have a particularly positive image for playing the trumpet or any instrument in fact! But taking part and seeing the results, and the music you can produce, not to mention the events you can take part in, is really sensational!”
If your child is interested in learning an instrument we are happy to help, please speak to your school’s music teacher Karen Drummond.
