A friendly, welcoming community gathers every Tuesday to make music with like-minded people, which in turn has created new friendships and memories. Boscombe Community Orchestra – also known as ‘BANG!’ (the Boscombe Awesome Noise Group) – is an “essential” highlight of many local residents’ weeks and inspires many to create new hobbies such as playing the flute or bassoon, and teaches range of skills through discussion and practical experience.

Thanks to the hardworking, empowering BSO Participate creative health team, these transformative sessions are made possible. The BSO’s work uplifts the community far beyond the concert hall and touches the lives of those less likely to be introduced to the wonderful world of music. Boscombe lies to the east of Bournemouth and has a diverse and creative population. The partnership between the BSO and The Old School House (TOSH) – along with several other partners in the town, including, Safe and Sound Dorset, the Health Sciences University, and Vitanova – made it possible for almost a thousand Boscombe residents to experience music-making together in 2025.

Person uses their hands to play a small wooden percussion instrument, holding a beater in their right hand.

After speaking to a few of the members that attend the community orchestra, it is clear to say that the warm and delightful gathering is “like a family”. Laura and her carer Kath described their musical journey, which has seen them playing instruments from the ukulele to the drum kit. At first, Kath taught me how the group had been a pleasant surprise, expecting that they’d initially “perhaps leave halfway through”. However, soon enough Laura discovered how much the noisy, vibrant music brought her heaps of fun and a chance to experience something new. Having attended two BSO concerts at Lighthouse, Poole –which she really enjoyed – music has become a large part of Laura’s life. This judgment free zone is a perfect chance for people with a range of abilities and people of all ages to freely express themselves no matter their background or situation.

Two people sit next to each other on chairs as they share a moment as they play musical instruments.

BANG! is preparing for a chance to perform the pieces they have been practicing during this term’s sessions. Events have previously taken place in the beautiful orchard garden outside The Old School House. This gives Laura, Kath and all their other friends an event to prepare for and look forward to. They enthusiastically discussed the set list when I attended a class, sharing all the songs that they enjoyed playing the most. The sense of safety and belonging was remarkable.

A person stands up to play keyboard in a local community group

The community orchestra was the “part missing” from Jack’s life before he joined. Playing the guitar, Jack’s passion for music is one of the key pillars that hold up the community orchestra. Playing solos, keeping a steady beat through the verses; he is an example of how those in this community help each other to excel. He described to me how joining this group has inspired him to write music for a purpose: for his friends. This group has helped him face and overcome any fears, as he explained how he previously thought that “trying something new can be scary.” Now, he feels more empowered to pursue his musical journey as much as possible. He believes that he “needs a way of accessing expression” to connect with others and feel a sense of freedom.

If you’re based in or around Boscombe, don’t miss the opportunity to hear the Boscombe Community Orchestra – as Jack, Laura and Kath and the rest of the music group perform to friends, family and local community members at TOSH’s annual celebration – on Sunday 5 July at 2pm. Click here for full details.

Click here to learn more about the BSO’s music-making in Boscombe.

The BSO in Boscombe is supported by

Terence & Annette O’Rourke

Peter & Sarah Eales

The Cressy Foundation

The Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Charitable Foundation

and one anonymous donor