When lockdown strikes, bring together aspiring young musicians through the power of Zoom…
Last week, eight schools from across the UK gathered virtually to make music together as part of Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme – and it was pure joy.
Known as a Modulo Meet, the national event gives secondary school music teachers and their students the opportunity to team up with others for a day, experience how it feels to be part of a large-scale orchestra and enjoy a much-needed moment of musical solidarity.
The Zoom event comes as music education in many schools has faced an unprecedented crisis as a result of the coronavirus pandemic – with 68 per cent of primary school teachers and 39 per cent of secondary school teachers reporting a reduction in music provision.
According to the ISM’s recent report, titled The Heart of the School is Missing and surveying more than 1,300 music teachers across the UK, extracurricular musical activities have been discontinued in 72 per cent of UK primaries and 66 per cent of secondaries, while almost one in 10 schools are not teaching music as part of the curriculum at all.
That’s why our Modulo Meet was surely a day to remember, with over 100 young musicians of mixed ability in attendance and a whole host of special guests taking the lead – including star conductor, Karin Hendrickson, members of our partner orchestras, BBC Philharmonic and City of London Sinfonia, National Orchestra for All composer, Jack McNeill, and digital visual artist, Bryony Simcox.
Read more: We bet you can’t name the orchestral piece from the emojis >
Leading the way: Star conductor Karin and percussionist Glyn host sessions during Modulo Meet
And while some of the young musicians were advanced (having completed Grade 6 in their chosen instrument), for many others it was the first time they had ever played.
To fund a life-changing programme like Modulo, please donate here >
Thanks to the power of technology, the diverse collective were able to enjoy an energetic series of warm ups, creative workshops, sectional rehearsals focusing on Purcell’s ‘Rondeau’ (taken from the composer’s famous Abdelazer Suite), and much more.
After the event, we caught up with Kathryn Dawson, a participating music teacher at The Hathershaw College in Oldham (watch full interview below), to find out more about her experience of Modulo Meet as well as her personal experience in education this year.
Kathryn told us: “I first started Modulo in 2015 with a school and ever since then, I’ve always taken it with me. The kids absolutely love it because it’s not just about playing in the orchestra.
“Of course, that’s a huge part of the day but last week we were looking at graphic scores and installations – that’s not something you’d necessarily get on another orchestral course, so it’s really nice for the students to explore different ways of using their musical skill.
“[Breaking down barriers to music-making] is an ongoing challenge not just for Orchestras for All, but all of us in music at the moment. I couldn’t afford to bring in performers from BBC Philharmonic – that’s way beyond our budget and a real opportunity for the students. They’ll be speaking about that for a long time!
“I’ve also been very lucky to have been gifted 10 or 12 instruments from Orchestras for All – and that’s not something you get everywhere else either. It’ll be really nice to bring those instruments back into school and for students to make use of them.”
Getting creative: Students at The Hathershaw College in Oldham experiment with plasticine while listening to music during a Modulo Meet workshop
She continued: “In our case, they’re students who can’t afford an instrument at home but really want to learn to play, or have an instrument at home that’s broken and they don’t know how to fix it. [Modulo] will provide us with more opportunities for more of our students and that’s fantastic.
“Yes, there’s a fee – but it’s a drop in the ocean for a school and Orchestras for All have worked really hard to keep that fee as low as possible.”
Sharing her advice with aspiring young orchestra players and music teachers, Kathryn added: “Be brave! There’s no right or wrong way to do this, it’s just the way that works best for the students. In my experience, this is a really good way of trying it out because it’s so friendly, relaxed and supportive.”
Pictured: Bryony Simcox shares a variety of musical scores with Modulo participants
So far, Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme has collaborated with 47 state secondary schools nationwide and provided them with bespoke resources, arrangements, music-making opportunities and visits from 30 professional musicians.
Our recent Modulo Meet welcomed participating schools from all across the country – from Cumbria to Huddersfield, London to County Durham.
While music-making in schools has become something of a challenge over the past year amid the coronavirus pandemic, Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme – supported by Scops Arts Trust and The Rayne Foundation – has continued to provide musical opportunities throughout.
To find out more about our Modulo Programme or participate with your school, please email info@orchestrasforall.org.
