Year 10 and Year 11 GCSE Music pupils in Gloucester
On Thursday 2 February 2023, 30 of our Year 10 and Year 11 GCSE Music pupils joined young people from five other local secondary schools at Gloucester Guildhall to watch a live performance of some of the set pieces they are studying as part of their GCSE Music. The event was organised by Gloucestershire Music and performed by members of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) plus a student from one of the other schools.
Not only were there some great performance pieces, but also an analysis of how the pieces were put together by the composers. This format really engaged the pupils and gave them the opportunity to get an inside look at the compositional techniques used.
The BSO KS4 Concert opened with a performance of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 5. This piece is fiendishly difficult for the harpsichord player and the pupils commented afterwards on how impressive the harpsichord player was. The varied programme also included a Mozart Clarinet Concerto, Steve Reich's 'Clapping Music' and music by Jim Fowler and Jessica Curry set to the adventure computer game 'Little Orpheus'.
Being sat right at the front, our pupils had an incredible view of the performers on stage. There is something intensely personal about watching live music, no matter the era from which the music comes.
After the performances, there was a session on how to develop compositional ideas, utilising the musicians to bring this to life. This was especially insightful for the Year 11 pupils who are working on their final composition in lessons.
"The Composition element of the programme was really helpful to me with great tips given for film composing, which is the basis for my composition at the moment." Tim (Year 11)
"The performers were outstanding, and the information shared reiterated everything Miss Faux has taught us so far in lessons." Gil (Year 10)
"This trip really helped secure my knowledge of the set works we are studying and I enjoyed listening to some unfamiliar pieces as well." Sasha (Year 10)
"This event has been offered to school for the past several years and is always an invaluable experience, not only to have a set work analysed live, but also the opportunity to see and hear live instrumentalists perform at a professional level." Miss Faux, Music Teacher
