A Joyous First Rehearsal with Conductor Patrick Bailey

24th September marked an exciting milestone for our CELT Music departments as five secondary schools came together to form a brand-new youth orchestra under the expert baton of conductor Patrick Bailey. This ambitious collaboration brought together over fifty talented young musicians, each contributing their unique strengths to create a vibrant and unified ensemble. It was also an opportunity for the music teachers from the participating schools to dust their instruments off and join in the music making with the students. Penrice Academy was proud to have almost thirty students representing the academy as part of this collaborative project.

What made this project particularly special was the way it allowed minority instruments - often under-represented in individual school ensembles - to come together and form full, balanced sections. From tubas and French horns to violins and timpani, students experienced the thrill of hearing their parts in full orchestral context, many for the very first time.

The first rehearsal was a resounding success, both musically and socially. It was a joy to see students - many meeting for the first time - bond over a shared love of music. The rehearsal space was alive with energy, enthusiasm, and a growing sense of camaraderie.

The orchestra will meet once every half term, offering students regular opportunities to rehearse, perform, and grow together as musicians. With such a promising start, we are incredibly excited about the journey ahead and the music this ensemble will create in the months to come.