The unique and exciting Musicians of the Future scheme concluded at the end of the Michaelmas term.
The new scheme was established in order to give students the opportunity to experience the wonders of music first-hand in a positive and celebratory environment. Additionally, the scheme helps to offset a national picture of musical decline and secure the future of music at Bloxham.
With the wise words of Hans Werner Henze that “There is no such thing as an unmusical person” ringing in their ears, every First Former could choose to receive six hours of specialist music tuition on one instrument of their choice from Violin, Cello, Clarinet, Flute or Trombone and sing in a choir. Taught within small groups, it generated a real buzz and understanding that music is accessible, fun and sociable. Some students began arriving early at school at 8am, practicing pieces they had composed together, ready to perform in tutor time.
Music has to be shared and every musician needs an audience, which is why we have 28 concerts throughout the year at Bloxham! It was therefore a fitting conclusion to the scheme to have a celebratory concert. Just imagine being given an instrument at lunch and told you were going to be performing in a concert the same evening – this is akin to what we were asking of the First Formers and they were brilliant! The concert also enabled more experienced musicians to inspire the next generation and give something back into the musical cycle.
As a result of the scheme, 41% of students involved have continued their musical journey, receiving paired lessons with some already booked to perform in forthcoming concerts.
A huge thank you to the teachers who have worked so hard with all the students and sparked a genuine love of music, the Bloxham musicians who continue to inspire the next generation but most of all, all the First Formers who took part. They achieved wonderful things over the Michaelmas term and can be very proud. Bring on Musicians of the Future part II!
