Virtual Music Centre – Taster Session

The Virtual Music Centre gives members the opportunity to see themselves performing with each other by releasing two ‘Virtual Performances’ each term; a short ‘taster’ at half term and a full performance at the end of term. West Sussex Music’s Head of Music Centres, Dave Bennet, said, “Rehearsing ensembles online has been challenging, but productive! It’s a new experience for the vast majority of our students who, with lots of support from teachers, submit a video they have recorded of themselves performing their part in the ensemble as part of the online process. These recordings are layered to produce an ensemble performance in which students and their families can see and hear themselves performing together! The end of autumn term ‘virtual performance’ will be a great Christmas present for family and friends and is available to families as a free download.”

There has been a lot of discussion about the effect the global pandemic has had on young peoples’ mental health & wellbeing and there is a recognition amongst West Sussex Music staff that the Virtual Music Centre is a positive force in this regard. Emma Milne, conductor of West Sussex Junior Wind Orchestra, commented, “The Virtual Music Centre is a great opportunity for students to keep established friendships going and make new friends through a shared interest in music-making and performance. We all need a bit of music in our lives at this tricky time.”

On Saturday 7 November the Virtual Music Centre is opening its doors to all young instrumentalists and singers for an online ‘Taster’ session – everyone is welcome and it’s free of charge!