Orchestra ONE Project 39: Epic Quests
On a cold February morning, 20 young musicians arrived ready for adventure…
Over four days during half term, they became composers, collaborators and musical storytellers as part of Orchestra ONE Project 39: Epic Quests. Together, they created an original 30-minute piece inspired by brave heroes, enchanted lands and a bard on a daring rescue mission.
Led by Musical Director Jason (our resident “Dungeon Master”) and Assistant MD Lindsay, the group explored a bold and imaginative way of composing.
Using dice rolls and randomised cards to shape musical decisions, they built the first two movements through chance, creativity and teamwork.
Complex rhythms and shifting time signatures added challenge and excitement, encouraging everyone to think differently about how music can be made.
The final movement brought something extra special. Two of Orchestra ONE’s longest-serving participants, Juno and Will, composed and led this section themselves. With a sound somewhere between Tolkien-inspired storytelling and classic rock energy, their piece became a powerful finale. Watching them step into leadership roles and teach their music to the rest of the ensemble was a real highlight of the week.
Alongside the music-making, we also piloted a small learner voice project. Each day, different sections were handed the camera and invited to document the project from their own perspective. They filmed rehearsals, interviewed one another and captured behind-the-scenes moments.
The result was funny, honest and completely authentic, and you can see them on our socials!
Vocal Section | Wind Section | Strings Section | Rhythm Section
It gave us a fresh insight into what the project meant to them, in their own words. Orchestra ONE felt like the perfect place to trial this approach, and we’re excited to keep developing learner voice opportunities across Kent Music.
Participants were supported by an outstanding tutor team:
- Alice (Strings)
- Joe (Guitars and Music Tech)
- Niall (Wind)
- Pip (Vocals)
- Keelan (Keys), joining Orchestra ONE for the first time
As always with Orchestra ONE, collaboration was at the heart of everything. Young musicians worked side by side with tutors, experimenting, improvising and building ideas together. (An unexpected rock version of ‘Baby Shark’ may also have made an appearance.)
A huge thank you to our participants, families and to Highworth Grammar School for hosting the project.
Curious about Orchestra ONE?
Orchestra ONE is Kent Music’s creative ensemble for young musicians who want to explore composition, improvisation and collaboration in new ways. Each project is different, but the focus is always the same: young people leading the music-making.
Find out more about upcoming Orchestra ONE projects and how to get involved.
