Live symphony orchestra treat for primary pupils

Hundreds of young children were treated to an eclectic musical feast at QE’s annual concert for its five partner primary schools.

The programme at this year’s event ranged from Johann Strauss’s Blue Danube waltz and Holst’s Jupiter from The Planets to film music from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

More than 300 primary school visitors enjoyed the experience of listening to a live symphony orchestra as well as the opportunity to learn about individual instruments.

As a specialist music college, QE has partnerships with five local primary schools: Bushey Heath Primary School; Christ Church CofE School; Foulds School; Frith Manor Primary School and Moss Hall Junior School.

The concert, primarily aimed at children in Year 4, lasted just over an hour and took place in QE’s Shearly Hall.

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion and I am really pleased that all five of the schools were able to come this year,” said Director of Music Kieron Howe. “The Symphony Orchestra performed the Strauss, Holst and the Harry Potter pieces. In order to demonstrate the ‘families’ of the orchestra, there were also performances from the String Quartet, Wind Quintet and Top Brass.

"These ensembles presented a variety of music including Pizzicato Polka and movements from Camille Sain-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals.

“As part of the event, the QE boys talked about and demonstrated their instruments – from violin to cello, from flute to bassoon, from French horn to tuba and not forgetting percussion – explaining how each of the instruments works.”