Orchestral Manoeuvres in the School
Shireland CBSO Academy in the West Midlands is a new state school backed by one of the world’s leading orchestras, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
For the first time in the UK a school has been opened in partnership with a professional orchestra. Shireland CBSO Academy in the West Midlands is a new, free state school. It’s backed by one of the world’s leading orchestras, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. This pioneering project aims to ensure music is embedded in the curriculum at every level. Children receive free, one-to-one vocal and instrument tuition, with members of the orchestra having a presence in the school at least once a week. The intention is for every pupil to take GCSE Music or a B-Tec in Music Technology - in a bid to tackle the falling number of children studying the subject. But will it work?
For this episode of 5 Minutes On, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Culture Editor Katie Razzle has been to Shireland CBSO Academy to meet its pupils and teachers as well as the musicians trying to make a difference.
