ARCH Orchestra Workshop “feels really special!”
Our ‘ARCH Orchestra Workshop’ invited talented musicians from Years 4-6, from both the Junior School and external schools, to come and experience playing in a real orchestra!
This was a wonderful opportunity for our talented music department and students to raise the aspirations of fellow musicians, spreading their love of music.
After a warm welcome from our Head of Music Performance, Ms Bilkey, the evening began with an initial performance by The Abbey’s symphony orchestra of the composition that they would all be working on – The Radetzky March by Johann Strauss Sr.
Students then broke out into specialist workshops, led by The Abbey’s music teachers, with our guest musicians joining them to work on the piece and share advice on performing within an orchestra. There was a wonderful range of talent within the young artists that joined us from violists to flautists, cellists to drummers.
After practising their individual parts, all of the musicians reunited in the Richards Hall. It was so inspiring to see our guest musicians take their seats amongst the symphony orchestra members and see Abbey students supporting them through the final rehearsals.
Ten-year-old Sawako attends Caversham Primary and is a Grade 5 violinist. This was the first time that she has ever played in an orchestra and said, “It feels really special” and explained how she felt really “together” with everyone.
Music Captain, Chloe in UVI, said that it was great to play with younger students as, “I did that when I was their age and hopefully we’re inspiring them to join orchestras. It’s been a lot of fun and they’ve all done really well – I’ve been very impressed!”
It was a pleasure to welcome parents, friends and family to watch the final moving performance. There was something very special hearing the musicians unite to perform such a rousing rendition of Radetzky March.
When asked why doing something like this is so important, Ms Bilkey answered, “Because it brings all sorts of students together with one aim to make music and enjoy making music. I get really excited by having these students integrate so easily and it bodes well for the future doesn’t it!”
Our Abbey symphony orchestra members made us proud, sharing their talent and expertise with patience and kindness. We hope that our visiting musicians had a truly memorable experience that inspires them to continue along their musical journey!