Young musicians from across West Sussex showcased their exceptional talents in a series of events including two very different professional musical settings last week.

On Thursday 27 November, The Factory Live in Worthing hosted the Rock Band Showcase. 

This event brought together young bands from West Sussex Music’s Play In A Band programme and Ovation Music, giving them the chance to perform in front of a paying audience at a professional venue. Bands taking part included High Voltage, The Elastic Band, The Banned, Funky Chipmunks, The Volts, and Anemone. 

Play In A Band sessions, held in Horsham and Worthing, help young musicians develop their skills as part of a rock band. From backing vocalists to lead singers, rhythm or lead guitarists, bassists, drummers, and keyboard players, there’s a role for everyone. 

Throughout the week, West Sussex Music’s music centres across the county hosted end-of-term presentations, followed by the annual winter concert at Worthing Assembly Hall. These presentations offered fantastic opportunities for young musicians and ensembles to share what they’ve been working on this term with family and friends, with performances at Bognor Regis, Chichester, Horsham, and Worthing music centres. 

The week concluded on Sunday 30 November with the Winter Concert at Worthing Assembly Hall. A total of 237 children and young people took part, featuring performances by the West Sussex Youth Orchestra, West Sussex Youth String Orchestra, West Sussex Youth Wind Orchestra, West Sussex Youth Choir, West Sussex Junior Orchestra, and the Tomorrow’s Orchestra Programme. 

James Underwood, Chief Executive, West Sussex Music, said: “We are proud to provide opportunities for young musicians to perform in professional settings and develop their skills. Their achievements this week reflect the hard work of the musicians and our tutors, as well as the dedication of parents and carers to supporting them. Many congratulations, in particular, go to our Tomorrow’s Orchestra Programme beginner instrumentalists who now “graduate” into our junior ensembles programme.” 

For more information on all the different musical opportunities West Sussex Music provides, go to https://www.westsussexmusic.co.uk/make-music/