Making Music, Making Musicians

For many of our new Year 7 students the idea of learning a musical instrument was something they had never come across before. After their first half term at The Radclyffe School, particularly in the unusual circumstances they have faced, their experience of playing either a trumpet or a violin has been greatly encouraging.

The school is proud to be working with the Music in Secondary Schools Trust who have put together a plan as part of students’ regular music lessons. We are one of only two schools outside London, and the first in the north of England to be taking part. Learning in small groups introduces the students to playing their instrument, and quickly develops their technique. Already for some students their ability is starting to develop well.

Taking part in such a high profile project (the programme is backed by Andrew Lloyd-Webber) will give our students some incredible future opportunities. They will perform at a top London concert venue, which in the past have included the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall. Some students will also take part in a three-day residential workshop at Radley Hall in Oxfordshire.

We are grateful for parents’ support as the students make progress through this year. Please continue to encourage your child to practice at home and to remember to bring their instrument into school on the days when they have their lesson. The programme is about more than just creating musicians, positive as that is. Taking part has been show to have a positive impact on progress across the school, helping them engage in learning and improving behaviour.