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Posted on February 29th 2024
A Day of Orchestral Improvisation
In February, members of the Academy Orchestra took part in an orchestral workshop run by Southwark Music Hub.
Alongside students from Harris Academy Bermondsey and Harris Girls' Academy East Dulwich, our students were challenged by the fact that they could not prepare any of the music in advance. Instead, conductor Scott Stroman led our students in a day of improvisation.
Scott gave the students note patterns to memorise and hand signals so they knew which pattern to play. Later in the day he challenged them to create soundscapes for films by describing what would happen on screen and getting them to improvise on their instruments.
At the end of a long day of making music, the students performed at the Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall, one of London's most prestigious concert venues.
Rising to the challenge
While all students rose to the challenge, there were three students who stood out during the day. Anastasia in Year 10 took on the challenge of improvising during one of the pieces in the concert.
Jorge, also in Year 10, anchored the percussion section on the drums. Both students earned a handshake from the conductor at the end of the concert!
Another student of note was Year 8 clarinetist Deborah, who only joined the Academy Orchestra in January (along with several other students), but acquitted herself admirably throughout the day, demonstrating all of our HAP LEAP characteristics.
Ms Enderby, Subject Lead Music
A day of musical improvisation.
