Starting a School Orchestra with London Musical Theatre Orchestra
Context:
Pupils at Mark Hall Academy took part in an exciting new project with London Musical Theatre Orchestra’s (LMTO) ‘Upbeat’ programme. LMTO is formed from musicians who work regularly in West End shows. The ‘Upbeat’ programme works with early-stage musicians at secondary level, giving young singers and instrumentalists an opportunity to begin, revisit or pursue their music-making through a series of workshops with West End professionals. Each student is given an orchestral instrument to learn and play in a concert with the LMTO professional musicians. Their final performance showcased hits from musicals and films played by the students who had only been learning their musical instruments for just six weeks!
Ms. Mulholland, Head of Music at the school, says “Traditionally, music has been a popular subject at Mark Hall though the focus has been on instruments such as piano, drum kit, guitar, bass and voice yet we have always dreamed of having our own orchestra at Mark Hall Academy. When the opportunity to partner with The London Musical Theatre Orchestra was offered, we could see this was a way to bring that to reality. We now have a 26-piece orchestra rehearing regularly preparing for our school production of Grease!”
Delivery:
Over a period of 6 weeks, students worked with a musical director to become a Musical Theatre Orchestra themselves. They chose their instruments in week 1 and over the next 5 weeks, students learnt to play their chosen instruments through group learning and playing as an orchestra to prepare accompaniment parts to two musical songs.
“Very few students had ever played an instrument before or had the opportunity to try an orchestral instrument,” states Ms Mulholland. “Working in small groups allowed students to develop their confidence in playing and reading music. Students took part in drama and singing activities to bring them together as a company and to prepare a formal performance for their friends and family. They rehearsed in instrumental groups with a tutor from LMTO and also as a whole orchestra alongside their tutors. The finale concert brought together all the musicians and their tutors with a West End singer to bring the music to life.”
Students felt the value of the ensemble and the importance of their role in the group as they were working towards a shared goal from week one. They were both proud and excited to work towards the concert for parents and families in week 6.
Before rehearsals returned to schools, there was already a plan for future performances. Ms Mulholland reports that “keeping motivation and expectations high supported full attendance and participation.” Essex Music Services allowed students to retain their instrument for a year at no charge if they continued to attend the school ensemble. “Due to the busy co-curricular timetable, our orchestra rehearsals occur outside of lesson times when pupils would normally attend form time, thus allowing an increased number of students to attend. It has also encouraged attendance by teachers who play instruments and can support the new musicians. Having teachers and students playing together has developed good relationships across the school.”
Be Creative:
“Students who learn to play instruments outside of school joined the ensemble and we saw an increase in general participation. We also found funding streams through Essex Music Service and in school to have instrumental tutors who have a specialism with string instruments and have looked at alternative ways to deliver these lessons including group tuition.”
To keep motivation high, Ms Mulholland has planned regular performances for the ensemble to parents, students and the wider school community. Having a performance plan and thinking ahead has helped to inspire new musicians and develop the next intake of orchestra members.
Demonstrating to the wider school community the confidence pupils have both as instrumentalists and within themselves has proven very positive for the school community at Mark Hall. Ms Mulholland reports that parents regularly comment on the changes in their children. “One parent approached me and said their child had transformed since starting the project. She was highly anxious and very nervous about starting secondary school and playing the cello had made her feel much more positive and excited to attend school.”
How can we get involved?
Essex Music Service have worked alongside Mark Hall to support them to develop instrumental provision following on from the programme with LMTO. To find out more about some of the support that could support development of instrumental learning in your school, please see the links below.
