Pupils inspirational visit to CBSO

There was great excitement in the Year 4 classrooms on Monday morning as we packed our bags to travel to Birmingham for a trip to Symphony Hall. For all the children, this was their first opportunity to hear a major symphony orchestra perform live in a world class concert hall, and what better way to start than with the CBSO, who have just returned from a concert tour of North America?

From the moment we stepped into the vast auditorium, it was clear that this was going to be a memorable occasion. The children marvelled at the number of seats, huge speakers, and impressive organ pipes, and were interested in finding out a little about what makes the acoustics in Symphony Hall so special.

The theme of the concert was ‘This World’, and it explored the beauty of our planet and the impact that humans can have on it, all illustrated in music. The children were taken on a journey around the world (and into their own imaginations) by a wide range of pieces, introduced by the dynamic compère, Dan, as they embraced the “X-men power of the Orchestra to take you anywhere – even to places that don’t exist!”

Their jaws dropped when the large orchestra started to play the first piece: Coalescence by the young composer, Dani Howard. They were held spellbound by Gabriella Smith’s Field Guide for Orchestra, which included sounds from the rainforest, created by playing instruments in new and unusual ways. Alan Sivestri’s Portals (from Avengers: Endgame) excited everyone, and this piece was a firm favourite with many of the group. The finale from Symphony No.1 by Brahms finished the programme in style.

This was a special concert, and the children loved the excitement and variety of music. Many of them learn instruments (some are already playing in the KSA Orchestra and String Group) and this experience was genuinely inspirational. As the compère said, every adult in the orchestra started their musical journey taking lessons at school and playing in school orchestras and bands. Who knows, perhaps in a few years’ time the stage at Symphony Hall will be home to a few ex-KSA musicians…..?

Pre-Prep visit to CBSO.

Pre-Prep had a wonderful trip to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra on Monday.  They all enjoyed the interactive nature of the show and helping the musical eco warriors save our planet, by joining in with actions and noises.  The children were a real credit to the school and listened very attentively and joined in with energy and enthusiasm.  We explored different habitats in danger and the children helped the musical eco warriors, by using music and movement to save the animals at threat.  The trip was both engaging and informative, a super time was had by all.