West Norfolk’s young musicians perform together

Young musicians from across West Norfolk came together to share in some seasonal music making – and showcase their talents in an intimate performance at Terrington St Clement Village Hall.

Around 50 children joined the event, which was organised by the West Norfolk Academies Trust as part of its Musical Instrumental Tuition Initiative (MITI), and was hosted by Trust member St Clement’s High School.

The participants were drawn from WNAT primaries Clenchwarton, Walpole Cross Keys, and West Lynn, as well as from Terrington St Clement Primary School, an​d joined forces to play in two musical ensembles – a  wind band and a string orchestra – practising together before performing to a select group of family members and friends.

Supported by WNAT Director of Music Robin Norman, the workshop and performance were overseen by Benjamin Howell, the Trust’s Peripatetic Music Lead, with the assistance of St Clement’s Music Lead, Jo Kemp, along with WNAT Peripatetic Team Members Nic Bouskill and Helen Johnson for strings, and Eddie Seales and David Maddison for the wind group.

“This workshop, organised by the West Norfolk Academies Trust, is one of the termly MITI events hosted across the Trust’s four high schools – Marshland, Smithdon, Springwood, and St Clement’s,” said Mr Howell.

“The purpose of these workshops is to bring together students from feeder schools, allowing them to collaborate and experience the joy of creating music as part of a larger team,” he continued.

“They build on the skills they’ve developed in their MITI lessons, culminating in a relaxed performance for parents.

“The event also fosters socialisation and camaraderie, with refreshments provided to enhance the students’ experience.”