SOLIHULL schoolchildren will be performing as part of a special orchestra at Warwick Arts Centre.
On Friday February 16, Solihull Music Hub, in conjunction with a secondary school music network, is creating a ‘mass’ orchestra for the students of the borough as part of the OSoSic II project.
Promoters say this will feature over 200 pupils from secondary schools and invited primary schools.
They will also be joined by a Key Stage 3 choir made up of secondary schools.
The children were visited by members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra Chorus to help them prepare.
Those involved hoped it would inspire the pupils to continue with their music making and develop their musical skills.
Pupils have been learning selected ‘BBC 10 pieces’ in their instrumental lessons in addition to cluster rehearsals to work on the music.
They culminated in a final full orchestra and choir rehearsals at Birmingham Conservatoire last week in preparation for their final public performance at Warwick Arts Centre.
Richard Jones, assistant head of Solihull Music Service, said: “This exciting project was initiated by the Secondary School Music Network as teachers recognised that nationally orchestras and classical music are in decline.
“Our aim was to provide a free opportunity for young instrumentalist to perform as part of an orchestra at Warwick Arts Centre with musicians they could aspire too.
“The BBC Ten pieces provide a vehicle to consolidate musical links between members of Solihull Music Hub.
“Further enhanced by the partnership with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the BBC Concert Orchestra.
“We hope this project will be the catalyst in Solihull to improve retention of instrumental players and raise the aspiration of our most talented players.
“We also want to raise the profile of orchestral playing in schools and improve awareness of access to additional music making opportunities for young people.”
Tickets are available for the performance from the Warwick Arts Centre Box Office priced £8 and £5.
