Keeping Music Alive During Lockdown.
St Columba's Pupil, Emily B, continues her musical practice despite lockdown restrictions.
This year, Emily B (SIII K) was due to attended 4 orchestral courses but with social distancing guidelines and the lockdown restrictions the courses were unable to go ahead.
However with the rise of virtual events, lockdown proved no match for defeating Emily’s musical plans. The National Children Orchestra, (a course of which Emily was due to attend) were quick to established weekly webinars with young professional musicians, and as more events were cancelled the National Youth Orchestra Scotland had also put in place a programme of events including, fun activities and inspirational master classes.
After the NCO online events Emily was delighted to receive an email asking her to create a small film about herself and her instrument. The film that Emily created now forms part of the ABC opera project, with the videos being included in a teacher pack that will help staff across primary schools in England and Wales showcase the project to pupils. A link to more information on the project can be found here.
NCO had also asked tutors to recommend players that had been articulated and engaging during the course, and out of over 500 orchestral members Emily was selected.
The National Youth Orchestral Scotland also approached Emily to share her experience of their online course, and she was chosen alongside only 3 other pupils. Emily’s writing can be read here, as part of a longer article documenting the course that was provided.
We are so pleased to hear that Emily has been recognised for her dedication and hard work, and thank her on being a brilliant ambassador for St Columba’s in representing the school in her outside activities.