Students Take Part In Mass Orchestra At Symphony Hall

Hundreds of talented students from schools across Solihull have come together for the first time to form a mass orchestra and play at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham.

The concert, introduced by Julian Lloyd Webber, was initiated by the Secondary School Music Network, in partnership with Birmingham Conservatoire and the Solihull Music Service, in response to a national decline in orchestras and classical music.

Drummers, percussionists, and guitarists from Grace Academy Solihull were selected to take part in the Symphony Hall performance of BBC Music’s Ten Pieces, and got the chance to work with some outstanding musicians.

Catherine Dyke, Year 10 music student from Grace Academy Solihull, said:

“I was excited to be taking part in the mass orchestra project. I never thought I would get to do something like this when I chose GCSE Music. I was really excited and couldn’t wait to perform to so many people.”

Explaining the reason behind the Symphony Hall project, Richard Jones, Assistant Head of Service, Solihull Music Service, said:

‘This is the first time this has ever been done in Solihull, if not nationally. We hope this project will be a catalyst in Solihull to improve the retention of instrumental players, raise the aspirations of our most talented players, raise the profile of orchestral playing in schools, and improve awareness of access to additional music making opportunities for young people.

“The BBC Ten Pieces has also provided a vehicle to consolidate musical links between members of Solihull Music Hub, Primary and Secondary schools, instrumental teachers, and the Solihull Music Service, enhanced by our partnership with Birmingham Conservatoire.”

The students who took part in the concert from Grace Academy Solihull were Ben Hunt, Dominic Steen, Harley Danks, Adam Clarke, Catherine Dyke, Alex Tsitis, James Llewellyn Charlton, and Oliver Hindley.  Their Music Teacher, Deborah Hadley, said:

“This is the first time the students have played as part of a mass orchestra and performed at such a large venue.  It has really helped to build their instrumental skill, confidence and social skills.”