Manor Learning Trust Students and BBC Orchestra Combine for Classical Performance

Melissa Barron, music teacher at Manor School Sports College, contacted the BBC Coaching Scheme about the collaboration of young musicians from across the Trust’s three academies for a performance as part of the BBC’s Ten Pieces project. The organisation happily agreed to send players from the two orchestras to visit the young musicians on the merit of the number of performances the students put on each year.

The five professional musicians spent the day working with the Trust’s students to extend their contextual understanding of the pieces selected, supporting their ability to listen and react to their fellow players, as well as leading rehearsals with each section of the ensemble. The sound of the students rehearsing in the music department added to the excitement surrounding the event, with staff looking forward to hearing the outcome of their hard work.

After a full day of preparation the students and members of the two orchestras combined to perform in front of their families and staff from the three academies. The ensemble put on a rousing performance of Habanera and Toreador from Georges Bizet’s Carmen Suite, receiving rapturous applause from the audience. Videos of the performance can be found on Manor School Sports College’s Performing Arts account on Youtube.

Miss Barron commented “This was an extremely exciting opportunity for our students to work with professional orchestral members. I am sure that it is an experience that our students will always remember and will be of significant value to those thinking about their futures as musicians.”