Pictures: Newbury primary school steelers’ pantastic day of drumming
PUPILS at Newbury’s Speenhamland School were treated to a great musical experience as part of the Newbury Spring Festival’s educational programme, with a special visit on Wednesday from the renowned Metronomes Steel Orchestra.
Throughout the day, each class had the opportunity to play the school’s steel drums under the expert guidance of Metronomes musicians, learning the fundamentals of steel pan performance.
With professional advice on hand, the children even began to play Beethoven’s Ode to Joy on the pans, experiencing first-hand the vibrant and uplifting sounds of this iconic Caribbean instrument.
Established in 1973, Metronomes Steel Orchestra is one of the UK’s leading steel pan ensembles, known for its rich history of performance excellence. The group has played at prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Notting Hill Carnival, bringing the authentic sounds of Trinidad and Tobago to audiences across the country.
Their visit to Speenhamland School showcased not only their musicianship but also their commitment to inspiring the next generation of musicians through education and engagement.
The Festival’s general manager Ashley Morris said: “It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and excitement of the children as they discovered the magic of steel pan music. Metronomes Steel Orchestra provided a fantastic introduction to this dynamic instrument, and we are delighted to continue bringing high-quality musical experiences to local schools, at no cost to them, through our generously supported education programme.”
Newbury Spring Festival aims to foster a love of music among young audiences, taking live performance beyond the concert hall and into the heart of the community.
This visit was just one of the many educational initiatives organised by NSF. Their extensive programme includes workshops, masterclasses, and special performances, providing unique opportunities for children and students to experience the joy of live music and develop their creative skills.
On May 3, there will be an afternoon schools workshop focused on Indian classical music, offering children the chance to meet Debasmita Bhattacharya and Kousic Sen, explore traditional Indian music, and learn about its history and instruments.
Additionally, on May 15, celebrated cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason will host a special hour-long workshop for local schoolchildren, particularly those who play the cello, featuring a Q&A session and an exploration of the instrument.
Thanks to generous funding received for this, the Festival strives to make music accessible and inspiring for all, introducing pupils to world-class artists and providing live music experiences both in their own school and at concerts.
As one of the UK’s most distinguished arts festivals, Newbury Spring Festival offers a diverse and exciting programme, running from May 10-24.
Firmly rooted in classical music, the Festival also features jazz, world music, theatre and family-friendly events in venues around Newbury.
Tickets for orchestral concerts at St Nicolas Church are available now via the Newbury Spring Festival website.
Tickets for the remaining events go on sale to the public from 10am on February 25 , with priority booking for Festival Friends beginning the February 11.
Early booking is recommended to secure seats for popular events.
For the full programme and to book tickets, visit www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk or contact the box office at 01635 522733.
For further information about the Festival’s educational programme and upcoming events, visit https://www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk/whats-on/education/
