By Mrs Jones (Music Teacher)

On Thursday 16th November, GCSE and A level students were treated to an exciting visit from members of the Philharmonia Orchestra to kick off the Young Composer’s Project 2023, funded by Bedford Music Hub!

Students from various schools across Bedford joined our students in listening to a short concert showcasing a wide variety of music and genres and then students took part in a short workshop with the musicians during which they explored the capacity of specific instruments and listened to instrumental specific techniques. 

Both GCSE and A level courses have a focus on composition; writing music in a chosen genre / style for as part of the course work element. This exciting project continues in the new year when one student from each of the ten schools involved will be chosen to work with the composers in residence at the Philharmonia Orchestra in order to develop their pieces. The project then finally culminates in a performance evening in April when the instrumentalists will perform the ten pieces in concert here in the Randle Hall. 

It was truly wonderful for all students to experience such fantastic musicianship, and it was an incredible opportunity to share this experience with students from across Bedford!