The trio featured a flute, horn and double bass; an instrument from nearly every section of the Orchestra.
During the week the musicians visited 15 schools to deliver highly interactive performances, which featured a wide range of music, including Stravinsky’s Peter and the Wolf and Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter. Following the performance, schoolchildren were treated to demonstrations of how each of the instruments worked, as well as a Q&A session where they could find out more about the musicians, their instruments and they music they performed.
Marie Palmer, a teacher at Holway Park Primary, said: “Both the children and staff were buzzing about it afterwards… The high level of engagement from our children spoke volumes. I’ve seen a lot of similar things over my years in schools and this was quite easily the best musical visit I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching.”
A core part of the tour was opening up opportunities for young people to begin learning instruments, an important part of Sound Foundation Somerset’s remit. At the final session of each day, after the performance instruments were provided for up to 30 children. In a half an hour session BSO musicians taught the basics of how to play the flute, trumpet or violin, with an aim to show how fun and rewarding learning an instrument can be.
The Somerset schools tour was delivered through BSO Participate, in partnership with Sound Foundation Somerset. A core part of the Orchestra’s mission is its work beyond the concert hall. BSO Participate offers a diverse range of people across a myriad of communities the opportunity to experience the power of music.
Sound Foundation Somerset work closely with schools and other partners across Somerset and further afield, including BSO, to deliver a wide range of both in- and out-of-school programmes, designed to give children and young people the opportunity to sing, learn to play musical instruments and progress with their music making.