This project was our response to the changing needs arising in the areas of music education, community music, professional development and performance. The pilot project in South East London worked with young people and their teachers and leaders in residencies leading to large-scale performances. This served as a model for future projects and led to a major award from Youth Music for the London-wide People Symphony project (see above).

The model consisted of ongoing workshop residencies in schools and community groups, a training group consisting of the teachers and leaders of those groups, with large-scale performances, bringing the groups together at the end of each term. The workshops with young people, some of whom had disabilities, concentrated on those skills and materials which make communal music-making possible including innovative approaches to improvisation, composition and performance. Professional and community performances provided a focus during each stage of the project. They consisted of material generated and composed in the workshops and involved the professional development group, client groups and artists of international stature, including Bosco De Oliveira, Chris Batchelor, Steve Buckley.

The project culminated in a commissioned piece by Eddie Parker called Open Skies, which celebrated 1000 years of Greenwich culture and was performed by 150 young people and a 12-piece professional band.

Performances were held at the Millennium Dome, The Albany Theatre, Deptford, Blackheath Halls and Kidbrooke School.

Participating schools and groups:
Greenwood
Eaglesfield
Cherry Orchard
Charlton Manor
Leemore Day Centre
Drake Music Project
Hatcham Wood
Hayes
Lewisham Academy
Scotts Park

Funded by The National Lottery through the Arts Council of England, London Arts Board, Esmee Fairbairn, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Millennium Lottery Fund (Awards for All)

top