Shropshire Music Service

Shropshire Youth Orchestra performed at Gloucester last night (July 11th) in the magnificent acoustic of the Cathedral.

A large group of family and friends had made the journey to support the orchestra and they were not disappointed with a sparkling performance of works by Beethoven, Faure, Mathias, Sibelius and German.

The soloist for the evening was Greg Hearle (Shropshire’s concerto compteition winner 2009) who performed the Mozart Clarinet Concerto. with style and vigour.

John Fairbank and Bob Wysome directed the rehearsal and conducted the concert.

Over 1600 young voices were heard singing this week as Shropshire Music Service provided a collaborative events to support school singing. At Shrewsbury’s showground last night the first of three massed choirs of young people joined together for a performance of songs, under the direction of Shropshire Music Service manager Alan Atkin.

Young voices in action

The rehearsal in the afternoon and the performance for parents at 7pm was the result of weeks of hard work as teachers in primary schools across the county supported students in learning the entire programme - the whole evening was performed from memory - and performed very well.

The choirs were accompanied by a band of staff members from the Music Service.  The whole event saw many organisation coming together to provide this amazing opportunity as one part of the Shropshire Music Service’s work under the banner of ‘Sing up’ and ‘Tune in’.

Sam Newth and Andy Jones entertain

The staff rock band fronted with characteristic charismatic energy by Sam Newth provided mid-rehearsal entertainment for the students.

Performances continued on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th directed by Dot Atkin and Alison Stevens and all three performances were well supported by enthusiastic audiences of parents who enjoyed good weather for this popular outdoor event which now looks to be a regular feature in the musical calendar.  Councillor Vince Hunt attended to give support to staff and students at the Friday performance.

For further access to ‘live music’ in your area at minimal cost then please look out for details of the Music Service ‘live music in schools’ events in November.

Work has already begun on the next ‘Shropshire Sings’ for KS2 students which will take place in the summer of 2012 with a theme of Sports and Games.

Alison Stevens managed the event - please contact her for further details of future support for vocal work in schools. ‘

Shropshire Youth Wind Orchestra, Shropshire Youth Percussion Ensemble and Shropshire Girls Choir are visiting Le Touquet, France from July 23rd to 27th this year.

Shropshire Youth Brass Band are visiting LO, Belgium from 28th July to August 1st with performances in Antwerp, Brussels and Ypres.

The Shropshire Young Musicians Parents and Helpers Organisation will be holding its annual general meeting on Saturday September 18th at 1:00pm at Priory School, Shrewsbury.

Shropshire Youth Brass Band will be performing and there will be a presentation for parents on the develops in the work of the Shropshire Music Service.

Please try to support SYMPHO as they work throughout the year to support all young people in Shropshire who are involved in the Music Service bands, choirs, orchestras and other ensembles.

… takes place at Meole Brace School Science College, Shrewsbury, at 7:15pm on Tuesday July 13th.  Individual and group work from young players of all ages.

Shropshire’s young brass players meet with their older and more expert colleagues in Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury for a performance at 7:00pm on Monday July 12th.  The concert programme will include massed items and individual ensemble performances form the Shropshire Youth Brass Band and the Shropshire Training Youth Brass Ensemble.

.. will be performing in Gloucester Cathedral on the evening of Sunday July 11th 2010.  Tickets are available from John Fairbank or on the door.  The orchestra will be travelling down to Gloucester for the rehearsal at 4pm followed by a performance at 7.30pm.

July 7th, 8th and 9th sees this years Shropshire Sings with over 2000 children singing for a brave al fresco audience in what looks to be predicted uncertain weather!

The event has proved again to be very popular with sets of songs being rehearsed in school, including new ones written for the event, and then presented in a mass collaboration.

The event has been organised by the Shropshire Music Service as part of this years ‘Sing Up’ initiative.

A tour meeting for parents will be held at 2.30pm at Oakmeadow (the Music Centre site in Bayston Hill).  This will follow the tour rehearsal at 10:00am.

Auditions for the following Shropshire Music Service ensembles will take place on Friday June 11th - details of times will be forwarded later: 

Shropshire Youth Orchestra; Shropshire Youth Wind Orchestra; Shropshire Youth Brass Band; Shropshire Training Youth Wind Orchestra

The orchestras and bands are open to any young person of appropriate ability living in Shropshire or wishing to travel to Shrewsbury for the rehearsals.  Other ensembles are available which are open to all players.