Horsham-based West Sussex Music offers its students virtual training from principal cellist
Members of West Sussex Training String Orchestra welcomed the principal cellist of the London Symphony Orchestra, Rebecca Gilliver, to rehearsals – and were treated to a beautiful performance of the Prelude from Cello Suite No 1 by Bach on her rare Rogeri cello (made in 1695). Rebecca talked about her life in the LSO involving a demanding weekly schedule of rehearsals, concerts and tours and recounted playing at the Olympic Games alongside Mr Bean. Rebecca answered a wide range of questions from orchestra members and was able to hear the ensemble rehearsing. She said: “It was such a pleasure to visit virtually the West Sussex Training String Orchestra and to witness the innovative and enthusiastic way they are continuing to make music together as a community during such a challenging time.” Ethan Merrick, conductor of the orchestra, said, “It’s so pleasing to be able to get together and rehearse and perform music in spite of the pandemic. “And sharing the screen with the principal cellist of the LSO was just fantastic, really inspirational for everyone!” A recent survey of Virtual Music Centre members has shown they value and enjoy seeing friends and making music together online. “The most popular feedback was a request for longer rehearsals. A training string orchestra parent said: “It’s been really good for my daughter to break up just practising on her own and get some input from different teachers. “I think it helps her feel in touch with the music centre.”
And a member of West Sussex Youth Orchestra added: “It has helped me continue areas of practice beyond my grades and to continue the sense of the orchestra as best we can!” To celebrate the work of the ensembles the students have been recording themselves. Look out for the VMC endof-term performances on Facebook and Twitter. To book a free taster session and to join West Sussex Music’s Virtual Music Centre, you should visit www. westsussexmusic.co.uk. West Sussex Music is the largest provider of highquality music education to children and young people in West Sussex, offering vocal projects, whole-class ensemble tuition, small group instrumental and vocal tuition, and advice and support for schools as well as a comprehensive range of musical activities at its music centres. Through its curriculum support, professional development opportunities and facilitating role, West Sussex Music builds music into the fabric of school life. By doing so, it supports schools and teachers to achieve the best possible outcomes for pupils, their families and the community. For more than 50 years, West Sussex Music has supported projects that enable access to cultural opportunities for disadvantaged and disaffected young people through its strategic partnerships with other arts and cultural organisations. It also plays a valued role as the music education hub for West Sussex. See also www. lpo.org.uk.