From Hogwarts to the Galaxy for West Norfolk pupils

A heroic time was had by all when Lynn students travelled to the Royal Albert Hall in London for a performance by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Film Music Gala: Heroes and Superheroes concert featured music from a diverse range of cinema classics, including Harry Potter, ET: The Extra Terrestrial, Indiana Jones, 633 Squadron, The Avengers, and Star Wars among others.

Organised by the West Norfolk Academies Trust, the trip was open to all four of the Trust’s high schools – Marshland in West Walton, Smithdon in Hunstanton, Springwood in King’s Lynn, and St Clement’s in Terrington St Clement – with over 100 students from Years 7 to 13 taking part.

The group travelled by coach to the venue, accompanied by WNAT Director of Music Robin Norman, Springwood Music Teacher Neil Quinn, Smithdon Music Lead Andrea Miller, St Clement’s Head of Music Jo Kemp, WNAT Peripatetic Music Tutor Samantha Ashby, and two volunteer helpers. 

It was the third time the trip had taken place.

“For me, seeing the students’ reactions to a live orchestra was a real highlight,” said Mr Norman. “For many of them, this was their first visit to a concert hall such as the Royal Albert Hall, and also their first time hearing a live orchestra.

“Each year we get comments such as ‘I didn’t realise the power an orchestra has’, ‘I have had such an amazing time’, or just simply: ‘Wow!’”

“Students ask me about the trip year on year, as they want to go back – so that is testament to the power of the event,” he continued. “For me, anything that engages young people in live music is a definite highlight.

“There is nothing quite like it, and events such as this create memories that will last a lifetime and, hopefully, help nurture a lifelong love of live music and music in general.”