Symphony from Scratch

Join musicians of all ages for a special weekend playing two exciting pieces of music - Respighi’s glorious Church Windows (Movements 1, 3 and 4), and music from Star Wars: The Force Awakens by John Williams

Dates: Sat 22 and Sun 23 November 2025

Timings: 2-5pm Saturday, 12-4:30pm Sunday (4-4:30pm informal sharing)

Location: Purbeck School Wareham

Cost: £50 per participant. Under 25s / concessions / disability allowance or PIP = FREE!

This inclusive event is open to all musicians, and you’ll be coached and supported by BSO and BSO Resound musicians, playing side-by-side as part of an orchestra and conducted by the BSO’s own CEO, Dougie Scarfe!

If you’re a young disabled musician aged 11+ and have been playing your acoustic, orchestral, electronic or accessible instrument for a while, come and have a fun, welcoming musical weekend as part of a symphony orchestra – we can adapt musical parts for different levels of experience and instruments.

Or, if you are Grade 5 ability or above, come and be part of an extraordinary new symphonic sound, in a weekend of playing, working together and learning from each other whilst breaking down barriers to music.

Deadline for booking: Friday 3 October

Sign up as soon as you can so we can arrange your music. Once you have applied, we will be in touch to discuss your requirements and confirm your place.

Here’s the detail……

At Symphony from Scratch, orchestral instruments will be playing alongside new and accessible instruments. Parts can be created for different instruments and levels of playing. Clarion, LinnStrument and other non-traditional instruments very welcome!

As part of the project, we’ll provide…

Adapted parts for different levels and formats
New parts for non-orchestral instruments
Online learning materials to help you practice and prepare for the rehearsal
Musical support throughout the orchestra

If you need the score in a different format, e.g. large format, XML for Braille transcription, particular patterns for Clarion etc – please specify. Be as detailed as you can to help us to make your part right for you! We will then be in touch to confirm your exact requirements.

You will receive your part and learning resources by Friday 17 October. Please come to the weekend well prepared and contact us if you would like more advice or help learning.