Music students inspired by North Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra

In an exciting new initiative the North Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra is providing Music students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College with a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of one of their A Level set works.
 
A group of ten students from Newcastle College attended a rehearsal last Monday evening where they were able to sit alongside orchestra members. During the interval they talked to conductor, Peter Stallworthy and Sheila Dexter, the leader.

Harriet Johnson, Lecturer in Music at the College comments: “It is so important that the music students hear the music they are studying live. To be given the opportunity to watch the orchestra working on the Symphony was invaluable. By attending the rehearsal they got to hear how the orchestra tackled the intricacies of the work and were truly enlightened by the experience. We’re looking forward to joining the orchestra again soon”.

The students were enthusiastic about being involved in a live performance of their set work. Here are some of their comments:

“Fantastic to hear the music we are studying live – a completely different experience from just listening to a recording”

“A great opportunity to play with an experienced orchestra”

“So inspiring – I’m going to start playing my clarinet again”

“Interesting and useful to hear the different sections of the orchestra playing separately  - very helpful when studying a big work like the Beethoven’s Symphony No.1”

“It was great to see the rehearsal process and watching how the players all worked together with Peter Stallworthy”

“An enlightening experience”

Students will also be attending the actual concert performance on Saturday evening. The initiative will be repeated in March and April when students will attend rehearsals of another of their set works, Shostakovich’s Symphony No.5.

The orchestra will be performing Beethoven’s Symphony No.1 as part of their concert at 7.30 pm on Saturday, February 1st at Wolstanton High School, Newcastle under Lyme. Tickets are available on the door: Adults £8 Students £3.