Orchestra 360, a new inclusive orchestra for young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities, their parents and siblings gave their first public performance at the Corn Exchange in March as part of SoundCity 4.
Following a series of taster workshops in schools across the city (including Blatchington Mill, Downs Park, Downs View Link College and Hillside School), young people were invited to join the new orchestra, known as ‘o360’, to learn an instrument of their choice and to create and perform new music. Led by artistic director James Redwood and supported by a team of tutors from Music & Arts, o360 performed an original composition ‘Music Changed Me’ featuring tuned percussion, a horn section, fok-inspired melodies and rap; receiveing some great reviews from the audience!
Professional musician and encore ambassador Richard Durrant said “o360 has been my favourite. A magical injection of something really special”.
Orchestra 360 is the first instrumental music group of it’s type in the city, which brings together young people with SEND and their families to learn new skills and make music together. Young people have the opportuntiy to try several different instruments and to use music technology.
One of the group’s founding principles is that young people have free choice about which instrument they decide to play and while this can lead to some unsual musical combinations this is also a source of inspiration to the creative team working alongside the young musicians.
BHMA are keen to extend the opportunity to join o360 to more young people in the city. If you would like further information or would like to apply for the next o360 project, please contact emma.collins@brighton-hove.gov.uk