Home News A very successful performance by the Maidstone Primary Schools Orchestra!
Posted on: 11 July, 2016

A very successful performance by the Maidstone Primary Schools Orchestra!

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On Tuesday 5th July over 100 students from eight Maidstone primary schools joined together to perform as Maidstone Primary Schools Orchestra at a rehearsal and concert.

Conducted by Cheryl Hooker-Blake, the young musicians enjoyed a programme of popular musical pieces including The Bare Necessities and The Imperial March from Star Wars. With about a third of the orchestra playing instruments they’d only picked up 9 months before, the result was astounding.  Amidst the orchestra, one teacher was playing the recorder with one hand and simultaneously supporting her recorder troop with the other.

It was a wonderful image to see the young musicians transfixed on Cheryl, grinning wholeheartedly when they’d finished playing to their families. The support and dedication of the teachers involved helped make this project a real success.

The real highlight, however, was when the children and families all adorned their Star Wars masks for the encore of The Imperial March, and when Cheryl revealed her lightsaber baton!

The feedback we have received so far has been excellent, with children, parents and teachers commenting on how much they have learnt and enjoyed playing as a large ensemble. One school has been so inspired by the event that they are starting a school band, something that the school has never had before! Many teachers commented on how wonderful Cheryl was with the large group, keeping everyone engaged, having fun and sounding fantastic. The music was pitched perfectly too; fun and familiar with the opportunity for more advanced players to shine.Ellen Reynolds, Area Leader.