New Connections is an innovative partnership between Leeds Conservatoire and Orchestras Live, where students benefit from training and real-world experience in orchestral community music-making, working closely with the acclaimed Manchester Camerata.
The most recent project, supported by Leeds International Concert Season and ArtForms, united pupils from Hugh Gaitskell Primary School and Cockburn School, exploring the theme of Voyagers.
Pupils from both schools met at Leeds Conservatoire on the concert day, where they spent an afternoon rehearsing together and experiencing the thrill of making music with a professional orchestra for the first time.
A highlight of the evening’s performance in The Venue, Leeds Conservatoire’s 350-seat auditorium, was school children performing world premieres of their new music with the orchestra.
Hugh Gaitskell Primary School joined for ‘Sail to Distant Shores’ whilst Cockburn School took to the stage for ‘Ages of The Evolution.’
Mrs Amos, Director of Music at Cockburn Multi Academy Trust commented:
“It has been an amazing experience working on this project. The students have learned so much about how to work well as an ensemble, how to listen and share ideas and how to compose different parts. The students have been blown away by how small rhythmic or melodic ideas can be turned into whole pieces.
“They were particularly impressed when they saw all of their ideas notated in a score. There has been a real buzz around the department and school about this project.”
The concert included an exciting collection of short pieces for families, performed by Manchester Camerata, including music from How to Train Your Dragon, West Side Story’s Mambo and the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Patsy Gilbert, Vice Principal at Leeds Conservatoire said:
“Many of the students we have studying with us at the Conservatoire started their music journey in brilliant schools music programmes and with passionate, driven teachers who understood that music and creativity can be the key to unlocking their potential.
“This New Connections project is an extension of that, demonstrating professional ensembles and education can come together to create truly life changing experiences for young people; not only in developing musical skills, but also developing self-expression, life-changing creativity and confidence – all things young people need more and more.”
David Gurney, Executive Headteacher of the Cockburn Multi-academy Trust said:
“Watching our students perform on this stage made me extremely proud. The students were so professional and continue a long and rich history in the performing arts for Cockburn School.”
This post is based on a press release issued by Cockburn School
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