Striking creative sparks

When musicians of any age come together, they

strike creative sparks from each other. And when
young musicians get to work with top professional
players, those sparks can ignite a creative
experience that enriches everyone involved.
Thats the thinking behind the Sparks Project a partnership between the CBSO, BCU
Birmingham Conservatoire and the West
Midlands 14 regional schools Music Services,
generously funded by Youth Music. The idea is
simple: young musicians from across the region
gather at Birmingham Conservatoire for a day of
workshops and masterclasses, led by CBSO
players. Two of the Conservatoires postgraduate
Pedagogy students assist and take notes during
the day, and it all culminates in an informal public
performance by young people and pros alike.
We found the help and support for the young
musicians to be amazing
So in November last year, 20 of the Midlands
keenest young trumpeters spent a day working
with CBSO principals Jon Holland (pictured below)
and Alan Thomas - and on 20 November, they
gave a live performance in the foyer of Symphony
Hall just before the CBSOs Its Magic! Family
Concert, to a large and enthusiastic audience.
This day has really encouraged me as a
trumpet player. I feel pleased that there are
opportunities like this for young musicians
such as myself

Photo by Shuut Films

We were extremely fortunate that the Trumpet Day

was documented by Shuut Films - the end result

will be used to showcase the Sparks Project more

widely and as a teaching resource.
And in January 30 young clarinettists spent a day
with CBSO players Jo Patton and Mark OBrien
(pictured above), who then all performed at a preconcert event at Symphony Hall on 5 February.
A very positive day, with a lot of new things
learnt
But the benefits of the Sparks Project dont just
end with the applause. The hope is that the young
musicians can carry the flame back to their
schools and local youth ensembles, sharing what
theyve learned with a wider musical community.
And for the adult musicians and music educators
involved in the project, there are insights to be
gained at all levels - and the intention is that these
will be shared more widely as the project develops.
Its a wonderful example of how an orchestra, a
music college, schools music services and an
enlightened funder can make a difference far
beyond the immediate result - and it all starts with
a single musical spark.

The Sparks Project is part of CBSO Ignite, our

learning and participation programme which
reaches over 35,000 people each year. For any
further information about CBSO Ignite, please
call the CBSO on 0121 616 6500 and ask for the
Learning and Participation department, or email
education@cbso.co.uk.