Children and young people have had two opportunities to enjoy music with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) and there’s more to come!
The RPO is a partner of Sussex Music Hub and regularly provides musical opportunities for children and young people in collaboration with West Sussex Music (WSM).
On Saturday 14 February children in key stage two had the chance to take part in a creative music workshop at our Crawley Music Centre, based at The Mill Primary Academy in Ifield. Any standard of player and any instrument was welcome, and no previous experience was required! The workshop was led by Dr Tim Steiner and the children were excited to have the chance to play and perform with the three of the RPO’s professional players to create a piece of music inspired by outer space.
A week later, the RPO – and Dr Tim – were back, this time at The Hawth in Crawley to put on their Noisy Kids performance.
Noisy Kids: It Came from Outer Space is the RPO’s fun-filled interactive concert for all the family. The concert featured exciting orchestral music from a range of genres, including classical favourites, movie themes and lots more besides. Noisy Kids offers the chance to hear much-loved and instantly recognisable music played live, alongside the opportunity to hear less familiar music and discover new favourites.
Joy and laughter were at the centre of things, with Dr Tim Steiner taking the audience on a fantastic musical journey including interactive games, opportunities to sing along, to discover the instruments and players of the orchestra, and of course to hear inspiring exciting music. The concert was spaced themed with lots of audience participation. Dressing up was very much encouraged – with some very well-dressed trombone and bassoon players, and a light sabre wielding double bassist!
James Underwood, Chief Executive for West Sussex Music, said: “We are very proud of the strong partnership we have with the RPO. This is the third year running we’ve benefitted from these workshops in Crawley, and the interest continues to grow. The Noisy Kids performance was incredibly well attended and is a wonderful way for children and the WSM family to be introduced to high quality orchestral musicians. It was wonderful to see everyone’s excited faces.”
Coming up on Saturday 28 February, the RPO will return to Crawley, this time to deliver a free creative workshop for young people with SEND also at Crawley Music Centre. This is open to all children and young people under 25 years old with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), accompanied by their parent/carer. For further information go here.
For more information on any of the events or projects organised and coordinated by West Sussex Music visit the site here.
