How to participate
Step 1
Register for your respective instrument here.
Step 2
We will confirm your session time and let you know what to expect. You’ll also receive a video link and any material that may be used.
Orchestral Academy Online
Instrumental workshops for musicians aged 10-18
This event has passed.
This February half term we’re offering a series of free, online instrumental workshops for young musicians aged 10-18 and studying Grade 4+ (or equivalent), led by the internationally renowned Orchestra of Opera North.
These workshops will be a fun way to explore techniques and celebrate the instrument you play, and are designed to connect young musicians with professional players during lockdown. Carefully chosen activities will bring different ways to look at what makes your instrument special and develop your playing, techniques and musicality.
For players studying at a higher level, there may be an opportunity to play a piece for feedback and discussion with an orchestra member and other participants. All sessions are designed to complement regular instrumental study and offer a great chance to connect with fellow young musicians and members of the Orchestra of Opera North.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Academy!
We’re also offering special introduction sessions to the Viola and the Double Bass. Have you ever been curious about picking up these instruments? Come and join a demonstration and discussion with players from the Orchestra of Opera North and ask them all your questions!
Deadline to register: 9am Monday 8 February
Please note that places in these workshops are limited and registration may have to close earlier for certain instruments.
Eligibility
For orchestral instrument players aged 10 – 18, studying Grade 4+ or equivalent. PLease see table below for a full list of instruments, do get in touch if you are unsure.
Contact
If you have questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch: emma.barnett@operanorth.co.uk
Dates & times
Due to popularity some sessions are now fully booked. If you would like to be added to the waiting list for your chosen instrument, please contact emma.barnett@operanorth.co.uk
| Orchestral Academy Online | ||
| Date | Academy | Timing |
| 15 February 2021 | Violin | 10.00am – 12.30pm (fully booked)**
OR 2.00pm – 4.30pm (fully booked)** |
| 16 February 2021 | Viola | 10.00am – 11.00am: Workshop
11.30am – 12.30pm: Introduction to the Viola – for anyone who is curious about starting the Viola! |
| 16 February 2021 | Cello | 2.00pm – 4.30pm (fully booked)** |
| 16 February 2021 | Double Bass | 10.00 – 11.00: Workshop
11.30-12.30: Introduction to the Double Bass - for anyone who is curious about starting the Double Bass! |
| 17 February 2021 | Flute | 10.00am – 12.30pm (fully booked)**
OR 2.00pm – 4.30pm (fully booked)** |
| 17 February 2021 | Oboe | 10.00am – 12.30pm * + |
| 17 February 2021 | Clarinet | 10.00am – 12.30pm (fully booked)** |
| 17 February 2021 | Bassoon | 10.00am – 12.30pm * + |
| 18 February 2021 | Upper Brass Instruments: Trumpet, French Horn | 10.00am- 12.30pm * |
| 18 February 2021 | Lower Brass instruments: Trombone, Tuba | 2.00pm– 4.30pm* |
| 19 February 2021 | Percussion | 10.00am – 12.30pm (fully booked)** |
| 19 February 2021 | Harp | 2.00pm– 4.30pm* |
* To ensure appropriately sized groups, you will be allocated a session within this time period.
** Please email emma.barnett@operanorth.co.uk to be placed on a waiting list.
+ If this session proves very popular, we will put on extra sessions in the afternoon between 2.00pm-4.30pm
# Due to the popularity of this workshop an afternoon session has been added to accommodate more participants.
FAQ's
My child is studying Grade 4+ on their instrument but is younger than 10 years old. Can they still take part?
Please get in touch with Emma Barnett – emma.barnett@operanorth.co.uk
My child’s instrument isn’t listed as part of the sessions – can they still join a session?
These sessions are primarily aimed at orchestral instruments. Please do get in touch to check if you are unsure emma.barnett@operanorth.co.uk
I can’t make a session time – will this be repeated?
We cannot repeat sessions at a later date, but if there is enough demand for certain instruments, we hope to be able to hold a second session in the afternoon of that day. Please do get in touch with Emma Barnett as we will be able to let you know if this will happen- emma.barnett@operanorth.co.uk
Who will be running the sessions?
Sessions will be run by members of the Opera North Education Department and led by members of the Orchestra of Opera North. All sessions will be conducted in accordance with the Opera North guidelines for online youth activity. If you sign up, we will share an outline about working together safely online.
Do parents need to sit in on the sessions?
Parents are most welcome to sit in on the sessions, but if it is not possible, we’d like to ask that parents to wave to the camera at the beginning and at the end of the session. If you sign up, we will send you a few more guidelines about working together safely online.
My child has a lever harp – can they take part in the harp workshop?
Yes – lever harps are perfectly fine but please note that our harpists leading the workshop will only have concert harp to demonstrate on.
