Young music students to bring ‘the force’ to the Sheldonian
Music students from across Oxfordshire will be performing in Oxford’s prestigious Sheldonian Theatre on Friday 24 January 2025.
‘The force’ will certainly be with the Oxfordshire County Council youth orchestra – part of its music service – during a rousing performance of the Star Wars suite, by John Williams.
There will also be plenty of opportunities for the audience of pupils from Oxfordshire schools to participate in some beatboxing activities before listening to Voice-Leading by Alessandra MacKinnon-Botti, a concerto for beatboxer and orchestra, which uses the human voice box as a musical instrument.
Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said: “This high profile event will showcase many of Oxfordshire’s most exciting young musicians, and, through them, I hope inspire their peers in the audience to pursue their own studies in music.
“Many of the pupils supported by our music service have special educational needs and disabilities. Music is a way for them to express themselves, overcome their challenges and give them aspirations and goals. I know that in years to come some of them will be performing on the Sheldonian Theatre stage.”
Lewis McVean, a pupil of Oxfordshire County Council youth orchestra, said: “The concert has always been one of my highlights of the year.
“I attended the event twice as a primary school student and remember the experience being one of excitement and fascination for everyone involved.
“The opportunity to be a part of the event that encouraged me to pick up my trombone – and even play some of the music I heard on my first visit to the Sheldonian – is a real privilege.
“I hope that many of the students leave the concert with a new interest in music, just as I did ten years ago.”
Oxfordshire County Council’s music service supports school children through choirs, chamber groups and the orchestra, provides teaching resources, and assists families in hiring and buying musical instruments.
Further information is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.
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