BBC National Orchestra of Wales’ ‘Side-by-Side’ work with pupils across mid and south Wales
Young musicians from 10 counties in Wales have recently enjoyed playing with professional musicians from BBC National Orchestra of Wales in concerts and workshops. The orchestra, who are one of the National Music Service Wales’ partner organisations, held 4 side-by-side workshops and 7 concerts with pupils from Ceredigion, Powys, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath-Port Talbot, Merthyr Tudfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cardiff and the Vale during May.
“‘BBC NOW are so thrilled to continue to work with the brilliant music service staff and students in Wales for the tour” said a spokesperson. “Our musicians love working directly with students and this tour let’s us see up close that the passion for music making and developing professional pathways for young people in Wales is strong.”
CF Music Education were one of the local authority music services to work with BBC NoW as part of their 2025 Schools and Music Services Tour.
Musicians visited Ysgol Plasmawr, Cardiff, to work with their 20 strong orchestra and in Llanishen High where 42 excited students (and staff!) performed with them, including 9 trombonists. Many of the Y7 pupils had only taken up their instruments this year so this was a fantastic experience for them. Children from a local primary school were also invited to join the orchestra.
‘Inspiring’ young musicians
In both schools, the BBC players rehearsed and performed side by side with the school students, helping them learn their parts and some students were even given the opportunity to conduct the orchestra, after some conducting lessons from BBC conductor, Ellie. Pupils were also encouraged to ask the musician questions about their work and career pathways.
At the end of the morning the combined orchestra performed ‘Mars’ and ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ to students and staff from the school. CF Music and BBC NoW hope that this has inspired any students who don’t yet play in an ensemble to take part in their school and county ensembles.
Here is some feedback from the sessions:
Mr Lake (Ysgol Plasmawr)
It’s great when such big opportunities like this are given to local schools, and what an experience this was for our pupils. To have so many professional musicians attend the workshop and work with our pupils was incredible. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day and the buzz they had leaving the session was so nice to see. This workshop has encourage our pupils to engage more in our school ensembles as well as county run orchestras.
Nel
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Not only was it a chance to play music with professionals, but an opportunity to talk to them and listen to them share their experiences of playing in an orchestra.
Laila
I really enjoyed the session because we had an amazing opportunity to learn 2 pieces of music in one day! I would really like to experience this again in the future. Thanks to the teachers and orchestra for an incredible day.
Alice
It was a wonderful experience and a lot of fun to play and learn music with everyone. Thankyou to the BBC Orchestra and to everyone for running a fantastic music session.
Mr Grimstead (Llanishen High)
The students were buzzing with excitement in the afternoon when talking about the experience. And I was delighted to be able to include some primary students and our Year 7 project students – that’s quite an impressive first concert!
Mimi McIver (Year 9) – It was so exciting and fun, I really enjoyed playing with the experts. I was so impressed, they were so kind and so helpful!
Fin De’Ath (Year 11) – It was a great, fun experience with professional musicians. I was given the opportunity to conduct – it was amazing!