Inspired by Flight - Open Orchestra initiative.

The BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Royal College of Music are extending their learning and participation programmes in collaboration with Drake Music and the Tri-Borough Music Hub of Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham. The new project, Open Orchestra, brings together schools from the three boroughs, both mainstream primary and special primary schools, with pupils from the schools using creative music technology to create new musical material. The resulting work will be played by the BBC Symphony Orchestra at a schools concert in May 2013.


Founded over 20 years ago, Drake Music has pioneered the use of assistive music technology to make music accessible and have developed a wealth of innovative and imaginative approaches to teaching, learning and making music. Central to their work is the belief that everyone can fulfil their creative and musical potential given the right opportunities.

The Tri-borough Music Hub delivers the music services for the boroughs of Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham. The hub comprises the three boroughs working with strategic partners the Royal Albert Hall, the Aurora Orchestra and the Royal College of Music including RCM Sparks, the college's Learning and Participation Programme.

The hope for the Open Orchestra project is that it will inspire both the children and the staff and have a long-lasting effect on children’s music education in the hub. Pupils will experience the power of technology allowing them to achieve what was previously only possible in their imagination, with the new work being based around the idea of 'Flight'. The intention is that the project will create a firm foundation on which the teachers can build after the project has finished.

Further information from the BBC Symphony Orchestra website, the Drake Music website and the Tri-Borough Music Hub website.