Back to the classroom for ESO

Musicians from the Exeter Symphony Orchestra hit a high note with pupils when they attended music lessons at Ladysmith Junior School.

The visit was part of an effort to bring to life the BBC’s Ten Pieces Project.

The local musicians volunteered their services after the orchestra was approached by teacher Kathy Rowden who said: “The Exeter Symphony Orchestra members helped the children understand more about how musicians have to work as team and that each instrument has different qualities and roles within the orchestra.”

“They inspired those who already play an instrument to practice and persevere and many who don’t to start to learn one.”

The new chairman of the orchestra Miles Leonard commented: “When Kathy got in touch, it was clear that getting involved with the next generation of musicians was going to be an easy ‘sell’ to the orchestra.”

“The school organised the sessions and our members gave up their own time to participate as part of our Outreach programme. I would be delighted to hear from any other schools with similar projects on the go.”

Ten Pieces is an ambitious new initiative for primary schools, which aims to inspire a generation of children to get creative with classical music and is supported by professional musicians such as Nicola Benedetti.

With a range of online resources, UK-wide events and close collaboration with partners, every primary school across the UK will have the opportunity to take part.

To find out more about the BBC’s Ten Pieces Project visit:

www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/bbcmusic/tenpieces

and to see details of the orchestra’s next concert visit:

www.exetersymphonyorchestra.co.uk

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