Music making at Christ’s Hospital

The 55 children participated in workshops on composition, ensemble playing and singing which all came together in a spectacular final performance.

The children worked together with Christ’s Hospital pupils and specialist music teachers to prepare Lean on Me (Bill Withers) and a Latin American Folk Song in the choir and in the strings section, Spring from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

The stormy weather added to the exciting atmosphere as all the children worked on Storm, a piece specially arranged for the day by Christ’s Hospital Composer-in-Residence, Paul Robinson.

Andrew Cleary, Director of Music at Christ’s Hospital School, Horsham said: “Storm, our main piece, captured the wide range of talent amongst the group, whilst the workshops helped to bring the best out of individual players.

“The composition work is something children would not normally encounter at this age and was a great learning experience.

“We also explored the art of performance so they were prepared to perform as an orchestra which they did so very professionally to their parents.”

Primary school music co-ordinator, Vicky Bickerton, said: “It was fantastic! The children have all been so enthusiastic on their return to school about their day at Christ’s Hospital.

“They experienced how wonderful music can be when shared with others in a highly creative and inspiring environment. T

“he children have been re-energised, have broadened their horizons and I am sure looking forward to expanding their musical skills in the future.”

The Workshop for Schools programme at Christ’s Hospital, now in its fifth year, is designed to share Christ’s Hospital’s facilities and specialist teaching with schools from the local area and across the south-east.

Pictures of the day and a ‘thank you’ received afterwards.