Harry Bassett, Sophia Benton and Charlotte Foley join us to work on community projects throughout the region as part of the 7-month bursary-supported training scheme. Created to give aspiring community music leaders from diverse backgrounds a career springboard — the programme offers practical experience, training and mentoring, as well as a series of creative and music leader development workshops to shortlisted applicants.
The BSO Young Associate musicians will work closely with our experienced BSO Associate musicians on projects across the South West, from education to health care settings — helping them to gain the skills needed to deliver life empowering projects across all ages.
Introducing our new BSO Young Associate musicians
Harry Bassett is a trumpet player, musical director, composer and member of the Paraorchestra, who has experience of facilitating the creation of inclusive music and theatre. He has also performed musician-actor roles on touring shows with companies such as Extraordinary Bodies and Frozen Light.
Harry Bassett, BSO Young Associate musician said: “Through my work in SEND schools and community theatre, I’ve found great joy in being able to provide people of all ages and abilities a platform with which to access music. I’m really looking forward to working with the BSO to expand my musical toolkit and explore the relationship between common instruments and assistive technologies.”
BSO Young Associate musician Harry Bassett (C) BSO
Sophia Benton, was the first person to graduate as a left-hand alone pianist from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. She is also a Benedetti Foundation Instrumental Teaching Ambassador and is dedicated to accessibility and representation in the industry.
Sophia Benton, BSO Young Associate musician said “Whilst training in left-hand alone piano performance, I discovered joy and fulfilment through school-based community music work during my studies at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. I’m excited to explore working in a wide range of community settings as a BSO Young Associate musician, as well as developing as a music facilitator and pianist beyond the stage.”
BSO Young Associate Musician Sophia Benton (C) BSO
Charlotte Foley, is a singer-songwriter who has co-led creative learning projects with Bath Philharmonia, after she first accessed the scheme herself through the organisation’s work with young carers. Charlotte is passionate about working with people and creating new music.
Charlotte Foley, BSO Young Associate musician said “Growing up, music has always been a big part of my life. My most recent work alongside Bath Philharmonia has opened my eyes to the world of community music leading and creative learning. Improvising and experimenting with different techniques and instruments to suit different peoples’ needs is something I’m very passionate about — ensuring that music making is inclusive for everyone.”
BSO Young Associate musician Charlotte Foley (C) BSO
To read the full press release click here. For more information about the work of BSO Participate click here.