Tuesday 2 August 2022

Music Junction: After celebrating its 10th anniversary last year, London Chamber Orchestra's innovative outreach project moves into Norfolk and Herefordshire

London Chamber Orchestra's Music Junction
London Chamber Orchestra's Music Junction

Music Junction is London Chamber Orchestra's outreach project, which last year celebrated its 10th anniversary and this year the project celebrates its expansion into Norfolk and Herefordshire. Music Junction uses shared music making experiences to bring together young people from different backgrounds who are often siloed into separate music provision, such as those with disabilities or SEND. 

The project is a three-tiered programme formed of mentees – pupils who have had very limited or no access to classical music, mentors – pupils who have been learning an instrument; and LCO musicians. Each year, these groups come together for flashmobs, creative workshops and instrumental learning, working on a piece written specifically for them which is performed at the project showcase concert side-by-side with LCO.

In Norfolk and Hertfordshire, Music Junction will operate in one senior school, two state primary schools, and at least one SEND school. The primary schools will be feeder schools for the secondary school, creating a long-lasting musical and mentorship scheme that eases young peoples' transition into high school. By training teenage pupils as mentors for younger participants, the programme also offers older participants the chance to support others, build their skills and confidence.

The need for programmes like Music Junction has never been greater. The cost of living crisis has rendered music education inaccessible for many, and the pandemic has caused a significant gap in music training and provision. Future plans for Music Junction include expanding into other counties to help many more young people, working with The OHMI Trust to adapt instruments for young people who are physically disabled, and incorporating non-Western musical styles through a partnership with Indian Raga.

Further information from the London Chamber Orchestra's website.

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