Radclyffe's orchestral adventure brings music to life

Students at The Radclyffe School enjoyed an inspiring orchestral adventure, courtesy of the National Youth Orchestra.

Known as ‘Play the School’, the day of activities had the young people composing, experimenting and performing alongside the talented musicians.

Classes in all departments began with musical icebreakers, brief activities to record students’ reactions to the music they heard, and their feelings about what music means to them.

Short performances popped up in unusual places throughout the day – from lunchtimes in the café to lessons and social times.

GCSE Music students took on the role of ambassadors throughout the event, presenting and explaining the performances as they happened.

Photography students were tasked with recording the day’s activity, supported by the NYO’s marketing and communications team.

A recent innovation in the school is music that accompanies lesson changeovers at several times each day, encouraging prompt arrival at lessons.

For this event the music was provided live by members of the orchestra.

The finale saw a performance by the orchestra of classical and modern pieces.

NYO musicians worked with dance students to create a piece for the audience to enjoy.

Head of Music Daniel Corrigan said: “It was a not-to-be-missed opportunity to welcome a full 90-piece orchestra visiting us for the day.

"Students throughout the school engaged in learning in a different way, and it was exciting to link with dance and photography so that so many young people could take part.”

This is the second day of performance in Oldham schools, following a similar event at Hathershaw College.

The NYO have been on tour in the past week, performing in London, Nottingham, Coventry and Liverpool.

The event was made possible through the school’s partnership with the Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST).

Over the past three years, all students in Key Stage 3 have had the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument.

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