The first ever concert of the Barton Peveril Session Orchestra took place on the 26th of January, in collaboration with the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM).
The Session Orchestra enabled young string players in Hampshire to join forces with Barton Peveril Popular Music Performance and A-Level Music students to experience performing in a pop band. Students from feeder schools all over the county had the opportunity to develop musically, and apply their ensemble skills.
The orchestra was joined by guest conductor Andy Stott, Head of Popular Music at the RNCM, and the Musical Director of the RNCM Session Orchestra. Andy has been the recipient of four RNCM Student-Led Teaching Awards; two for his musical direction of the RNCM Session Orchestra, and two for Employability Enhancement. His workshop had him deploy his experience as a music educator for top institutions, helping a wide range of musicians expand their musical potential.
Andy Stott celebrated the performance:
“Thank you to Barton Peveril College for inviting me to direct the debut performance of its Session Orchestra and for the opportunity to work with such a talented group of young musicians. I applaud the College’s Music Department for its artistic vision and for bringing together young people from varied musical backgrounds to form this wonderful ensemble. The students’ dedication in practice and rehearsal was evident from the moment I arrived and this was justly rewarded by the standing ovation they received from the audience at the end of what was an outstanding and memorable performance.”
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College Director of Performing Arts, Bryan Postlethwaite said:
“I have been so impressed with the ambition, dedication, and skills demonstrated by the students of the Barton Peveril Session Orchestra. To be able to offer young string players the opportunity to perform in a popular music setting has been a privilege. I am indebted to Hampshire Music Service and Andy Stott from the Royal Northern College of Music for their ongoing collaboration and support in helping bring this project to fruition.”
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