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8/9/2019 Striking Creative Sparks
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When musicians of any age come together, they
strike creative sparks from each other. And when
young musicians get to work with top professionalplayers, those sparks can ignite a creative
experience that enriches everyone involved.
That’s the thinking behind the Sparks Project -
a partnership between the CBSO, BCU
Birmingham Conservatoire and the West
Midlands’ 14 regional schools Music Services,
generously funded by Youth Music. The idea is
simple: young musicians from across the region
gather at Birmingham Conservatoire for a day of workshops and masterclasses, led by CBSO
players. Two of the Conservatoire’s postgraduate
Pedagogy students assist and take notes during
the day, and it all culminates in an informal public
performance by young people and pros alike.
“We found the help and support for the young
musicians to be amazing”
So in November last year, 20 of the Midlands’keenest young trumpeters spent a day working
with CBSO principals Jon Holland (pictured below)
and Alan Thomas - and on 20 November, they
gave a live performance in the foyer of Symphony
Hall just before the CBSO’s “It’s Magic!” Family
Concert, to a large and enthusiastic audience.
“This day has really encouraged me as a
trumpet player. I feel pleased that there are
opportunities like this for young musicianssuch as myself”
We were extremely fortunate that the Trumpet Day
was documented by Shuut Films - the end result
will be used to showcase the Sparks Project more
widely and as a teaching resource.
And in January 30 young clarinettists spent a day
with CBSO players Jo Patton and Mark O’Brien
(pictured above), who then all performed at a pre-
concert event at Symphony Hall on 5 February.
“A very positive day, with a lot of new things
learnt”
But the benefits of the Sparks Project don’t just
end with the applause. The hope is that the young
musicians can carry the flame back to their
schools and local youth ensembles, sharing what
they’ve learned with a wider musical community.
And for the adult musicians and music educators
involved in the project, there are insights to be
gained at all levels - and the intention is that these
will be shared more widely as the project develops.
It’s a wonderful example of how an orchestra, a
music college, schools music services and an
enlightened funder can make a difference far
beyond the immediate result - and it all starts with
a single musical spark.
Striking creative sparks
The Sparks Project is part of CBSO Ignite, our
learning and participation programme which
reaches over 35,000 people each year. For anyfurther information about CBSO Ignite, please
call the CBSO on 0121 616 6500 and ask for the
Learning and Participation department, or email
[email protected]. P h o t o b y S h u u t F i l m s
