We’re proud to be a Young Sounds UK Ambassador Hub, supporting young musicians through the Connect Programme. This initiative supports children from low-income families to continue their musical education so they can keep on playing and progressing in music beyond the classroom.
The Connect bursary scheme is available to Manchester primary schools taking part in our ‘We Can Play’ whole class offer. Pupils receive access to free tuition at our North, South or East music centres, free instrumental hire, a personal £50 bursary, termly get-togethers and online ILPs. Following nominations by their music instructors, 17 pupils from 15 schools begun their Young Sounds journey in Autumn 24, with a further 15 expected to join the programme over this term.
In January, we held our very first Get Together. Young Sounds pupils and their families enjoyed a spectacular performance by the German National Orchestra, all of whose players are aged from 14 to 19, make a glorious, powerful sound. Just over 100 teenage musicians packed the Bridgewater Hall stage, and played to a nearly full house.
The conductor, Wayne Marshall, grew up in Oldham and studied at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester. He has enjoyed a successful career as a world-renowned pianist, organist and conductor, performing in concert halls and opera houses across the globe. In 2021, Marshall was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty The Queen for his services to classical music. We were delighted to be able to take pupils to see Marshall perform, inspiring them to see the potential of where their own musical journey could lead.
Children were blown away by the orchestra’s breathtaking performance of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, regarded as one of the greatest symphonic contributions to 20th century classical music. We also listened to Benjamin Britten’s Young Person’s Guide, a delightful rendition of an older melody by Henry Purcell. The performance concluded with a tour through the solar system with Gurstav Holst’s phenomenal depiction of The Planets, from the mighty Mars to enchanting Venus.
Children and their families had a wonderful time at the concert. We can’t wait to take pupils to many more Get Togethers in the future, raising aspirations and creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Want to create more exciting musical opportunities for your pupils?
Our whole class primary ensemble package We Can Play! is designed to provide an engaging and fun introduction to ensemble playing, whilst also supporting and developing a range of musical skills through instrumental learning.
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