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Orchestra in Residence Interview

Hallfield School is delighted to introduce our Orchestra in Residence: The Midland Chamber Orchestra.

Published

17 October 2024

School

#Whole school

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The Midland Chamber Orchestra is Birmingham’s leading amateur chamber orchestra. Hallfield School is the only prep school in the Midlands to have an Orchestra in Residence.

The partnership was founded in September 2024 and is born out of previous collaborations with the orchestra’s conductor and musician William Cheung, who also happens to be an Old Hallfieldian (1991 – 1999). You can read more about William’s musical journey at Hallfield and beyond in this Old Hallfieldian profile.

William was impressed with the maturity and confidence that Hallfield musicians demonstrated towards their music practice and wanted to establish a way to engage further with the school. Together Mrs Edgar, Director of Music at Hallfield School and William decided to establish an orchestra in residence to provide further opportunities to engage with music.

What is an orchestra in residence?

An orchestra in residence is the active presence of an orchestra on campus and more specifically within the music department. The residency provides further opportunities for Hallfield pupils, staff and parents to enjoy music in a variety of formats from live performances to workshops.

What are the benefits of an orchestra in residence?

Our most musically gifted pupils who make up our flagship ensemble- the Hallfield Orchestra, will perform with The Midlands Chamber Orchestra for select performances. These pupils will have the unique opportunity to play as part of a much larger ensemble, alongside adults who are Grade 6 and above. They will play more challenging pieces of music and should feel inspired in their own musical journey. The experience should not only enrich but also accelerate their learning.

For children who are passionate musicians, but not quite at the level to perform with the orchestra, will have plenty of opportunities to collaborate and engage with our orchestra in residence through workshops and lessons.

The wider Hallfield community will be able to engage with even more music throughout the year, as well as connect and network with like-minded individuals who are passionate about music.

William and other members of the orchestra will support other music endeavours ran by the school for example judging House Music Competitions.

What kind of events can we expect to see from the partnership?

Following on from the success of the Peter and the Wolf concert in December 2023, there will be a major project every two academic years featuring one large scale musical work. Between these large scale productions smaller projects will take place, such as workshops and play days.

For Peter and the Wolf children had the opportunity to enter a mask and programme cover art competition. These cross curricular opportunities will run alongside future events to engage pupils with talents outside of music.

In the Spring Term 2025 we will be introducing our first play day where pupils and parents will be invited to spend the day playing and workshopping music, culminating in a performance at the end of the session.