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.

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

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.

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.

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.