Boscombe Community Orchestra – affectionately known by members as ‘BANG!’ (the Boscombe Awesome Noise Group) – holds weekly sessions, supported by BSO Associate Musician, Sam Mason, and BSO Music Leader, Ed Lee.

The group has quickly become the highlight of the week for many local residents and has given people the opportunity to make music as a group. Participant Jack described the community orchestra as the “part missing” from his life; the group has also inspired him to start writing his own music.

Earlier this month the ensemble marked the culmination of this year’s music-making with a special performance in The Old School House’s summer celebration, which also included a textiles workshop, a creative writing drop-in session, and much more. Holly Beeston from TOSH said the group’s “mix of original compositions and playful covers brought people together to listen, sing along and celebrate.”

Musicians from Bournemouth Community Orchestra play music at The Old School House's summer celebration outside old building, and under a blue marquee. The sky is blue, sun is shining and there are lots of trees and plants. People sit on chairs and watch them play.

Musicians from Bournemouth Community Orchestra play music at The Old School House’s summer celebration in Boscombe

She went on to say that the summer event is “a chance to celebrate the creativity, friendships and sense of belonging that grow here throughout the year, and we feel incredibly grateful to share it with so many people.”

Boscombe Community Orchestra gathers every Tuesday afternoon in term time and no musical experience is needed to join. Participants are welcome to bring an instrument along, whether they know how to play, or not, and sessions are free to attend. TOSH says, “come as you are, and we’ll be here to welcome you.”

Head of BSO Participate, Lucy Warren, said “It’s always uplifting to experience the power of music to create connection and belonging, and a particular joy to celebrate the development of the Boscombe Community Orchestra, meeting weekly on our doorstep.

With the challenges of life for many feeling increasingly loud, the musical sanctuary this group provides couldn’t have been marked better than in the beautiful community garden bathed in summer sun and filled with friends and neighbours. ”

For more details about the BSO’s music-making in Boscombe, click here. Our work experience student, Nancy, recently spent a day with the Boscombe Community Orchestra, read about her experience here.

If you are interested in joining Boscombe Community Orchestra for a taster session, joining their waiting list, or you have any questions, please email Caroline at caroline.bjohnson@recreatedorset.co.uk