Posts in Ensembles
Brass Bands, Billionaire Boys, Flying Santa: the countdown to Christmas in Southampton has begun
Brass Bands, Billionaire Boys, Flying Santa: the countdown to Christmas in Southampton has begun
Members os Southampton’s Youth Brass Bands performing ahead of the debut flight of Southampton’s Flying Santa

Members os Southampton’s Youth Brass Bands performing ahead of the debut flight of Southampton’s Flying Santa

On Thursday 16 November, across Southampton City Centre, people gathered to start the countdown to Christmas. In an event organised by Go Southampton, the evening’s entertainment included a performance from Southampton Music Hub’s Brass Bands, the debut of a brand new song from Billionaire Boy (a brand new musical coming to Nuffield Southampton Theatres (NST) next week), the turning on of the Christmas lights, and the debut flight of Southampton’s Flying Santa.

Performance of a new song from the new NST Musical, Billionaire Boy

Performance of a new song from the new NST Musical, Billionaire Boy

Ensembles, Family Music, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyHub Partners, Stadium Tour, Brassroots, Southampton Youth Brass Band (SYBB), Fusion Brass
Standing Ovation at the Royal Albert Hall when 600 musicians perform at Music for Youth Proms
Standing Ovation at the Royal Albert Hall when 600 musicians perform at Music for Youth Proms
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At 7.45pm on Monday 5 November 2018, 600 musicians from Southampton, Isle of Wight, Poole and Bournemouth, alongside Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), made their way on to a darkened Royal Albert Hall stage whilst the Azaad Dhol Group performed. Following an introduction from host Remel London, and a brief introduction from composer James Redwood, at 7.51pm, under direction from conductor Frank Zielhorst, the 600 strong massed ensemble hit their first powerful and purposeful note… followed by two more… followed by a further five. Symphony 125 had officially begun.

When the last note rung out at just past 8pm, the hall rose to their feet in a show of awe and appreciation. The months of hard work had paid off, and these young musicians had hit heights of achievement that left the audience delighted and amazed.

Since September 2018, all involved had been hard at work: young musicians from Southampton Music Hub, Isle of Wight Music Hub and Soundstorm Music Education Agency, coached by their teachers, musical directors and members of the BSO. For all involved, this was the event of a lifetime, and it has only been made possible thanks to a huge community effort: Associated British Ports kindly donated a free rehearsal space; Red Funnel and Solent & Wightline Cruises provided discounted transport; Teachers, musicians, parents and friends all gave countless hours of time and energy to support this momentous event.

Watched by friends, families and local supports, many took to social media to praise their performance:

Ensembles, Family Music, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleySymphony 125, Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS), Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO), Instrumental and Vocal Tuition, Family Orchestra
Dress rehearsal underway for Music for Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall
Dress rehearsal underway for Music for Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall
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After a morning coach journey to London, all 600 performers from Southampton, Isle of Wight, Poole and Bournemouth have arrived at the Royal Albert Hall this afternoon, ready for their momentous performance of Symphony 125 with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at the Music for Youth Proms this evening.

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BSO125 - RAH Practice (29 of 40) [approved for use].jpg

For all involved, this is the event of a lifetime, and it has only been made possible thanks to a huge community effort: Associated British Ports have kindly donated a free rehearsal space for all 600 musicians, providing the opportunity to practise together ahead of the big night; Red Funnel and Solent & Wightline Cruises have provided discounted transport, enabling all 200 young musicians (and their friends and family) from the Isle of Wight to make the journey across the Solent; Teachers, musicians, parents and friends have all given countless hours of time and energy to provide rehearsals and lessons ahead of the big night.

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Matt Brombley, Projects and Partnerships Manager for Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hubs, says:
“There is an incredible buzz in the air this afternoon. From the moment we arrived to gasps of amazement on the coaches, through to setting up and rehearsing in our places for this evening: this awe inspiring venue has encouraged each and every young musician to raise the level of their own performance to match their world-class surroundings. We’re so excited to be part of tonight’s stellar lineup, and to share Symphony 125 with the world.”




Ensembles, Family Music, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleySouthampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS), Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO), Family Orchestra, Instrumental and Vocal Tuition, Symphony 125, Photo Gallery
Six hundred performers take part in an unforgettable rehearsal in preparation for Symphony 125
Six hundred performers take part in an unforgettable rehearsal in preparation for Symphony 125
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Yesterday (Saturday 3 November) 600 performers gathered at Mayflower Cruise Terminal for an unforgettable rehearsal ahead of their momentous massed ensemble performance at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday 5 November.

Brought together by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, young musicians from Southampton Music Hub, IOW Music Hub and Soundstorm Music Education Agency rehearsed a brand new piece of music — Symphony 125 — written to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the BSO.

The ensemble represents a huge diversity of sounds: a wide range of instruments — from iPads to violins to trombones and more; a huge range of ages and abilities — from young singers to high-flying young musicians to members of the BSO; and a broad range of backgrounds — players from schools across the region, including those with special educational and physical needs.

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The rehearsal venue for the day — Mayflower Cruise Terminal — has been generously donated by Associated British Ports, enabling all 600 musicians to rehearse together for the day. Red Funnel and Solent & Wightline Cruises have provided discounted transport for the rehearsal and Monday event, enabling all 200 young musicians (and their friends and family) from the Isle of Wight to make the journey across the Solent.

Music in the Community, Music in Schools, Family Music, EnsemblesMatt BrombleySouthampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS), Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO), Family Orchestra, Instrumental and Vocal Tuition, Symphony 125, Photo Gallery
Momentous massed rehearsal gets started at Mayflower Cruise Terminal
Momentous massed rehearsal gets started at Mayflower Cruise Terminal
Percussionists warming up, ready for rehearsal

Percussionists warming up, ready for rehearsal

At 10am this morning (Saturday 3 November 2018), Mayflower Cruise Terminal plays host to a massive massed rehearsal for 600 musicians from across Southampton, Isle of Wight, Poole and Bournemouth.

Brought together by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, in celebration of their 125th anniversary, they are rehearsing a brand new piece of music — Symphony 125 — which they will perform at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday 5th November.

Views over the Solent provide the backdrop to a momentous rehearsal at Mayflower Cruise Terminal.

Views over the Solent provide the backdrop to a momentous rehearsal at Mayflower Cruise Terminal.

ABP Staff have been helping at the rehearsal, generously donating the venue and their time to help 600 musicians rehearse for the performance of a lifetime.

ABP Staff have been helping at the rehearsal, generously donating the venue and their time to help 600 musicians rehearse for the performance of a lifetime.

The Mayflower Cruise Terminal has been kindly donated by Associated British Ports (ABP). On a normal working day, the huge departures lounge would be a gateway to the world for cruise travellers. Today, it is the gateway to a once-in-a-life time performance at a world-renowned venue for the performers from across the region.

Members of the Family Orchestra rehearse their parts ahead of the massed rehearsal.

Members of the Family Orchestra rehearse their parts ahead of the massed rehearsal.

Lottie and Jess, members of the Southampton Family Orchestra, says:
“We’re very excited to be here. It’s so much fun, and we can’t wait for our performance in London. You can really feel the excitement in the room!”

ABP Staff have been helping at the rehearsal, generously donating the venue and their time to help 600 musicians rehearse for the performance of a lifetime.

ABP Staff have been helping at the rehearsal, generously donating the venue and their time to help 600 musicians rehearse for the performance of a lifetime.

Byron, percussionist in Southampton Youth Orchestra, says:
“Thank you so much to ABP for giving us the opportunity to rehearse in such an amazing space — we hope we have entertained the staff who have looked after us so brilliantly today!”

Tuning up take teamwork…

Tuning up take teamwork…

Two guitarists helping get ready to play their part (in tune) ahead of the massed rehearsal

Two guitarists helping get ready to play their part (in tune) ahead of the massed rehearsal

There are all kinds of instruments being played. This is a photo of an eye-gazer musician practicing his part in a massed ensemble of instruments and voices.

There are all kinds of instruments being played. This is a photo of an eye-gazer musician practicing his part in a massed ensemble of instruments and voices.

Photo Gallery: Getting ready for a momentous rehearsal at Mayflower Cruise Terminal

Symphony 125 is a joint project from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Southampton Music Hub, IOW Music Hub, and Soundstorm Music Education Agency.

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Ensembles, Family Music, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyStadium Tour, Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS), Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO), Family Orchestra, Instrumental and Vocal Tuition, Symphony 125, Photo Gallery
Schools and families to complete a 600 strong line-up at the Royal Albert Hall
Schools and families to complete a 600 strong line-up at the Royal Albert Hall
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School children from across the city, and members of Southampton’s Family Orchestra will complete a diverse and exciting line up of performers when 200 performers from Southampton join a 600 strong Massed Ensemble at the Music For Youth Proms.

Taking place on Monday 5 November at the Royal Albert Hall, this will be the performance of a life time for all involved, including pupils from Upper Shirley High, Shirley Junior, Wordsworth Primary, Hollybrook Junior, Highfield CE Primary, Banister Primary, St Denys Primary, and Shirley Warren Primary Schools.

Since September 2018, all involved have been hard at work — coached by their teachers, musical directors and members of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra — learning the exciting new piece of music which they will all perform together at the Royal Albert Hall. A massed rehearsal on Saturday 3 November will be the first, and only, chance the performers will have to play the piece all together ahead of its high profile public debut.

And whilst the buses will return in the early hours of Tuesday 6 November, the fun is far from over. Inspired by the Royal Albert Hall performance, Southampton Music Hub will share the incredible new music from this magical event with all schools in the city. Workshops, performances and event on The Stadium Tour will allow the teachers, musicians and young musicians to share the music, and their incredible experiences, from the Royal Albert Hall throughout the year, leading to celebration events in July 2019.





Ensembles, Family Music, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyStadium Tour, Family Orchestra, Symphony 125
Great Oaks iPad orchestra to join diverse Massed Ensemble performance at the Music for Youth Proms
Great Oaks iPad orchestra to join diverse Massed Ensemble performance at the Music for Youth Proms
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On Monday 5 November, an iPad Orchestra from Great Oaks (a school for young people with a range of complex learning difficulties) will join 200 young musicians from across the city, and 400 more from across the region, forming one of the most diverse Massed Ensemble groups ever to take to the Royal Albert Hall stage as part of the Music for Youth Proms.

They join a line up which includes some of the city’s most talented young orchestral players, members of Southampton’s Family Orchestra, and singers and musicians from schools across the city. Their performance on Monday night is part of a stellar line up from across the country, as part of the Music for Youth Proms 2018, performing a brand new piece of music by award winning composer James Redwood in celebration of BSO’s 125th anniversary.

Matt Brombley, Projects and Partnerships Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:
“We’re delighted that Great Oaks school are joining us for this momentous performance. Led by Kelly Jo Peters, the hub’s SEND Music Advisor, Great Oaks music department has been pioneering the use of music technology for children with complex learning difficulties. To have them join us on stage at the Royal Albert Hall is a demonstration of the commitment of all involved — from music hubs, to Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, to schools — that there is no limit to what can be achieved by our young musicians, whatever their instrument, whatever their background, and whatever challenges they face in life.”



Music in Schools, Music in the Community, Family Music, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyStadium Tour, Symphony 125
City’s talented young orchestral musicians join a stellar line up at the Royal Albert Hall

As part of the countdown to Symphony 125 at the Royal Albert Hall next week, Southampton Music Hub is shining a spotlight of some of the young musicians who will be part of the 600 strong massed ensemble that will perform alongside Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at this momentous event.

Today, the spotlight turns to some of the city’s most talented young orchestral musicians: the members of Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO) and Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS) who will be part of the 200 young musicians coming from across the city.

Matt Brombley, Projects and Pernterships Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:

“The members of SYO and SYCS represent some of the city’s most talented young orchestral players. Over many years of hard work, determination and effort they have demonstrated the resilience required to become top-tier young musicians. Our hope is that by performing at the Royal Albert Hall — a world-renowned venue — as part of this once-in-a-lifetime event, they will be inspired to believe that there is no limit to where their musical ambitions can take them.”

Music in Schools, Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleySouthampton Youth Orchestra (SYO), Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS), Stadium Tour, Symphony 125
The countdown to 125 begins...
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Exactly one week today — on Monday 5 November 2018 — 200 young musicians from across Southampton will take part in a momentous performance of Symphony 125 at the Royal Albert Hall. Along with a further 350 young musicians from Isle of Wight, Poole and Bournemouth, the new massed ensemble will be joined by 13 members of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Frank Zielhorst.

This remarkable event is part of Southampton Music Hub’s annual Stadium Tour programme, which brings inspiring and inclusive music experiences touring across the city. In past years, the Stadium Tour has brought world-class musicians in to schools and the community. This is the first time the Stadium Tour has ever taken the young musicians to a world-renowned venue outside the city.

Music in Schools, Ensembles, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyStadium Tour
Two new iPad bands kick start Synthesis Project
Two new iPad bands kick start Synthesis Project
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September and October saw the launch of two new iPad bands, kick starting the first stage of the Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub’s Synthesis Project.

Taking place at Vermont School and Oasis Academy Mayfield, the two new bands are made up of young electronic musicians, invited by their schools to be part of this exciting new opportunity.

The two iPad bands are part of three year project, which has been funded by a £100,000 grant from Youth Music, and match funded with £10,000 from Southampton City Council. Starting in October, new iPad bands will be starting on the Isle of Wight, and, over the next three years, they will be joined by new iPad clubs and orchestras across the region.

Matt Brombley, Projects and Partnerships Manager for Southampton and IOW Music Hubs, says:
”It’s only been a few weeks, but already the Synthesis bands are creating some incredible sounds. Chosen for their interest and passion for electronic music, the young musicians involved are already starting to learn new music-making skills, and pull together in to tight-knit teams. The whole team can’t wait to see, and share, what they create over the coming months.”

Hear a recording of one of the band jam sessions from week three of the project:

Music in Schools, Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyMusic Technology, Synthesis
Launching Summer 2019 Celebration Events at Southampton Guildhall
Launching Summer 2019 Celebration Events at Southampton Guildhall
 
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At 4pm on Monday 8 October schools across Southampton will start requesting their places at the Summer Celebration Events taking place at Southampton Guildhall in July 2019. The celebration events mark the end of a year of Adventures in Time, which, start this November at the Royal Albert Hall:

In November 2018, 600 young musicians from across Southampton, Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight will join Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in a momentous performance at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London. They will play a brand new piece of music by award winning composer James Redwood in celebration of BSO’s 125th anniversary.

Inspired by the Royal Albert Hall performance, Southampton Music Hub will share the incredible new music from this magical event with schools across the whole city.

On Tuesday 2 July 2019, two exciting massed playing events will celebrate a momentous end to an unforgettable year of music for the city. Taking place at Southampton Guildhall, each event will proudly share the exciting new music that has been created through the city’s Adventures in Time.

KS1–2 MASSED PLAYING CELEBRATION (1.30–2.15PM)

  • An interactive, massed playing, music celebration for pupils in KS1–2. Pupils will get ready for this exciting event with free resources and workshops in school. Because every young musician taking part in In2Music and SoundBites will also learn the music, this makes an ideal end to their first year of learning an instrument: inspiring them to believe they can achieve huge musical dreams.

CELEBRATION PROMS (7.30–8.45PM)

  • An evening celebration with Southampton’s young musicians and family music groups coming together with KS3–5 pupils to share music from, and inspired by, the Royal Albert Hall performance.

Ways for families to get tickets, and be part of these celebrations will be announced soon.

Family Music, Music in Schools, Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyStadium Tour
Southampton Music Hub to join a stellar line up at the Music for Youth Proms 2018

Joining a stellar line up of fantastic musicians at the Music for Youth Proms 2018 this November, Music for Youth have announced Southampton Music Hub as part of this year’s Massed Ensemble performance projects.

On Monday 5 November, over 200 young musicians from Southampton’s ensembles, schools, and Family Orchestra will join with 200 young musicians from IOW Music Hub, and a further 200 from SoundStorm Music Education Agency in Poole and Bournemouth, to perform alongside members of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) in a momentous performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

Together all 600 musicians will perform a new piece of music by composer James Redwood, in celebration of BSO’s 125th anniversary. This is one of the largest, and most varied, Massed Ensembles to ever perform at the proms.

Tickets to experience the proms at the Royal Albert Hall are available now through the Royal Albert Hall Box Office online or by calling 020 7589 8212.

Ensembles, Family Music, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleySouthampton Youth Orchestra (SYO), Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS), Family Orchestra
Southampton Music Hub secures £110,000 funding boost for young electronic musicians
Southampton Music Hub secures £110,000 funding boost for young electronic musicians
Participants in a music technology workshop collaborating on a piece of music together

Participants in a music technology workshop collaborating on a piece of music together

Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hubs are launching an exciting three-year project to help young electronic musicians to compose and perform music. Following a £100,000 grant from Youth Music, match funded by £10,000 from Southampton City Council, the Synthesis project launches in September 2018 with electronic music clubs, bands and orchestras across Southampton and the Isle of Wight.

Working with schools and partnership organisations from across both music hubs, the project will help children and young people, particularly those facing challenging circumstances in their lives, to make music using iPads and other music technology. By developing their musical talents, the young musicians taking part will also develop the vital confidence and teamwork skills that will help them face and overcome the challenges they may face in their lives.

The project will be supported by professional musicians, from across a wide range of genres and backgrounds, who will help create video and digital resources that explain and demystify the songwriting process: exploring how to make music that blends musical genres, mixes musical cultures and brings together diverse communities.

Matt Brombley, Project Manager at Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hubs, says:
“Technology is all around us: even the smartphone in your pocket can open up exciting new worlds for making-music. It is easy to think of this technology as being anti-social — we’re all familiar with the image of people hunched over their smartphones, ignoring the world around them — but what makes this project so exciting, is that it will give young electronic musicians the chance to collaborate  in new clubs, bands and orchestras across the region, looking up and out from their screens, and to make and share music together. Inspired by world-class musicians, and supported by an amazing team of music leaders and teacher, these young musicians will not only learn new musical skills, but they will also develop the life-changing skills needed to work, and succeed, as part of a team.”

Music in Schools, Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyMusic Technology, Synthesis
Celebrating 250,000 inspirational hours of music
Celebrating 250,000 inspirational hours of music

As pupils, teachers and families across the city enjoy the final week of the academic year, Southampton Music Hub is celebrating a record-breaking year of life-changing music: a year that includes over 22,000 people taking part in 250,000 inspirational hours of music in workshops, events and performances from the Stadium Tour, Everybody Sing and City Ensembles.

Matt Brombley, Projects and Partnerships Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:
"It's been another incredible year for music in Southampton. The hub's achievements are only possible thanks to all the schools, staff, partners and families across the city that share the belief that making music makes lives better, and work together to share that life-changing power of music with every child."

Ensembles, Family Music, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyStadium Tour, Everybody Sing, Training and Resources, Instrumental and Vocal Tuition
Celebrate the end of the year with Southampton Youth Orchestra's Summer Concert
Celebrate the end of the year with Southampton Youth Orchestra's Summer Concert
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On Saturday 30 June, Southampton Youth Orchestra will celebrate the end of their musical year with a Summer Concert at Turner Sims Southampton. Starting at 7.30pm, the programme will include Tragic Overture by Brahms and Symphony No. 6  by Motzart. Also featured on the night will be soloist performances from Emmy Huang on Violin (as part of Introducton and Rondon Capriccioso by Saint-Saens) and Oliver Veal on Clarinet (performing Concerto for Clarinet by Weber). 

Tickets cost £9 for adults, £5 for concessions and £1 for under 18s. 

Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleySouthampton Youth Orchestra (SYO)
Eighteen string players join Laurel Swift for a creative folk music workshop
Eighteen string players join Laurel Swift for a creative folk music workshop
Folk musician Laurel Swift leads a workshop with Southampton's young string players

Folk musician Laurel Swift leads a workshop with Southampton's young string players

On Sunday 17 June, young musicians from Southampton Music Hub’s string ensembles and beyond were invited to take part in a day-long folk music workshop lead by traditional musician and dancer, Laurel Swift.

The participants had the choice of starting with a slow, melancholic Andro (French dance tune) or an upbeat English Jig: they chose the former! All of the music, harmonies and chords were taught by ear. Once the children had a firm grasp of the tune, as well as various ways to harmonise it, they split into groups to develop their own arrangement ideas using the techniques they had learnt.

Following a round of performances and a short lunch break, they learnt a ‘lumpy’ English Jig called “The Rogues March” which was then arranged for the group as a whole, with each musician bringing their own ideas to the performance.

The day ended with an informal performance to friends and family.

Maya, Vita and Zoey, members of Elgar/SYS said:
“The tunes were really fun. We really liked playing in small groups because we got to meet new people and experiment with new ideas and ways of playing our instruments.We learnt the importance of feeling the pulse, especially in dance music. We also really enjoyed playing by ear and not needing to use music.The feedback from peers was really useful, and Laurel was an amazing teacher.”

Chris Nichols, Director of Acorn Strings said:
“It was really great to see all of the participants working so creatively when developing their arrangements. Every performance was unique and everyone showed a different side to their playing. The day was a wonderful introduction to traditional folk music, and an experience I hope the children take into their own music making. Thank you to Laurel for making the day such a success.”

For more about Laurel Swift visit her website.

For further folk music resources visit the English Folk Dance and Song Society website.

Ensembles, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyInstrumental and Vocal Tuition, Photo Gallery
Southampton Youth Strings to perform at Ikea
Southampton Youth Strings to perform at Ikea
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On Monday 11 June 2018, Southampton Youth Strings (SYS) will perform a free concert at Ikea Restaurant. Starting at 4.45pm, the 30 minute set will include popular and classical pieces of music. 

Over the past few year, the performance has become a well received annual event, with some of Southampton's most talented young string players sharing their talents with shoppers and diners from the local community and beyond.

Christa Porter, Ensemble Director for SYS, says:
"Southampton Youth Strings are delighted to be invited back to Ikea again this year — we're very grateful for the opportunity Ikea give the city's talented young string players to share their music with the community."

Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleySouthampton Youth Strings (SYS)
Learn to play 'I Love Rock and Roll' at a free Family Rock Jam workshop on Saturday
Learn to play 'I Love Rock and Roll' at a free Family Rock Jam workshop on Saturday

Family Rock Jam returns on Saturday, with a chance to learn the massive rock anthem, 'I Love Rock and Roll' by Joan Jett.  Playing alongside house band Groove Merchant, it doesn't matter if you're picking up a guitar for the first time, or are an experienced player — anyone can join in!

Suitable for families of all shapes and sizes — bring your own guitar, or use one of the free guitars provided!

Family Music, Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyGroove Merchant, Family Rock Jam
Young Brass and Wind Musicians delight crowds at free, open-air, Bank Holiday performances
Young Brass and Wind Musicians delight crowds at free, open-air, Bank Holiday performances
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On Sunday 6 May 2018, in the bank holiday sun, young musicians in Southampton Wind Band and Southampton Youth Brass Band delighted the crowds that gathered outside the old city walls, on the steps, balconies and restaurants that make up the esplanade at Westquay. Performing a wide range of music, including songs from musicals and traditional brass and wind band pieces, the music filled the air, entertaining shoppers, diners, and the families who sat and watched.

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager at Southampton Music Hub, says:
"It was a huge pleasure to watch the hub's young musicians performing at the weekend. They sounded spectacular. The bank holiday weekend is a special time for families, and so for our young musicians (and their families) to give up their time to share the joy of music with other families in the city is very particularly special."

Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleySouthampton Wind Band (SWB), Southampton Youth Brass Band (SYBB)
Thirteen young brass players get an inspirational day of music with the Royal Marines School of Music
Thirteen young brass players get an inspirational day of music with the Royal Marines School of Music
Young brass musicians from Southampton, alongside Southampton Music Hub teacher, Jon Hanchett and other musicians from the Low Brass Day

Young brass musicians from Southampton, alongside Southampton Music Hub teacher, Jon Hanchett and other musicians from the Low Brass Day

On Saturday 5th May, 13 students, along with Southampton Music Hub teacher, John Hanchett traveled to the Royal Marines School Of Music in Portsmouth for their Low Brass Day. The day, which was organised by the Royal Marine Band Service and the British Trombone Society brought four of the countries finest low brass players together with local musicians. Around 100 Tuba, Euphonium, Baritone, Bass and Tenor Trombones started the morning by forming a huge ensemble creating a loud and majestic sound. 

Each of the four international soloists led masterclasses, focusing on different aspects of brass playing. Bass Trombonist, Simon Minshall led a session exploring the bass trombonist role within Wagner’s Ring cycle, wowing people with his Contrabass Trombone playing. Robbie Harvey shared his jazz background, giving tips of how to explore improvisation. Robbie also performed several pieces backed by a  jazz combo from the Royal Marines.

Following a break for lunch, when students took the opportunity to look around School of Music and visit the trade stands — enjoying having a go at playing Soprano trombones and sousaphones among other instruments, Tuba virtuoso, Les Neish gave an interesting session focusing on advanced breathing techniques, and included them in daily practice.

Finally world renowned Euphonium star, David Childs delivered a session on performance skills, taking about presentation. To conclude the day, all those taking part formed the large low brass ensemble again playing a piece composed for this event which featured the four fabulous soloists.

John Hanchett says:
“It was an inspirational event, an utterly fantastic opportunity to hear playing of the highest caliber. I’m sure all the students will be taking tips from today into their own practice and performance. The young musicians had a fantastic day, and were also a credit to their parents and schools with how they engaged with this Low Brass Day."

Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyInstrumental and Vocal Tuition