Introducing our spring All Aboard Orchestral Weeks blog!
Our second spring residential brought our 11–12-year-old musicians to Shrewsbury School for a week packed with music, creativity and plenty of fun.
Throughout the week, full rehearsals and sectionals gave young musicians the chance to explore a wide range of music inspired by dances, journeys and traditions from across the globe. Working closely with tutors, the orchestra grew in confidence as the programme came together ahead of the final Sharing Concert.
Alongside rehearsals, members took part in a series of ‘Thought for the Day’ sessions covering topics such as effective practice techniques, preparing for auditions, and neurodivergence as a strength for musicians. These sessions encouraged reflection and thoughtful discussion about individual musical journeys.
Midweek brought Surround Sound, led by Ed Babar, centred around the theme of travelling the world. In mixed groups, members explored different musical traditions and created imaginative performances inspired by global journeys and cultures. Highlights included an African folk song taught by a member and sung by the orchestra, a boat journey brought to life with sea shanties and a striking foghorn effect, and an American camp-style call-and-response motif that became a favourite across the day.
The week also included plenty of fun beyond rehearsals. Brass tutor Ryan Linham led an evening of musical games and challenges, with members and tutors tackling increasingly complex rhythms, rounds and actions. Recreation activities included murder mysteries, Taskmaster-style challenges, quizzes and musical aerobics, helping friendships grow throughout the week.
As the concert approached, members also explored elements of orchestral performance, including stage etiquette, concert preparation and choreography for the orchestra’s lively performance of Pérez Prado’s Que Rico Mambo.
A real highlight of the week was the strong sense of community that developed across the residential. Members quickly got to know the Support Team, with Kevin becoming a fan favourite, and many young musicians shared daily shout-outs and messages of appreciation for friends, roommates, section members and tutors.
Some of the week’s moments also featured on social media, including a joyful percussion mambo performance filmed outside in the spring sunshine.
The week concluded with All Aboard! at Shrewsbury School, conducted by Matthew Quinn. Featuring music inspired by journeys, dances and traditions from around the world, the programme took audiences from the drama of In the Hall of the Mountain King to the energetic rhythms of Que Rico Mambo. It was a joyful ending to a week full of music and new friendships.
Want to find out more?
Click below to explore our Orchestral Weeks and see how young musicians can get involved.
