Orchestra One Welcomes New Members for Summer Project

PRESS RELEASE June 2012

ORCHESTRA ONE WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS FOR SUMMER PROJECT

The summer project for young people to write and perform original music as part of Orchestra ONE is open for new members to take part – all abilities and musical styles accepted.

Orchestra ONE (Orchestra of New Experiences) gives young people aged 12 to 19 the chance to introduce their own styles and instrumentation, blending classical and jazz players with DJs and MCs, and then perform their composition in concert.

Musical director of project three is Pete Wareham, a saxophonist and composer who has set up and worked with various bands including Acoustic Ladyland, a group of improvisers with a contemporary rock ‘n’ roll attitude. The band won BBC Jazz Award Best Band 2005.

Pete graduated from Leeds College of Music and later studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. His continued success as a saxophonist has led to notable performances at New York’s Blue Note Club, London’s Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and support for American musical legend Roy Ayers.

His challenge is to unite the orchestra’s wide mix of talents, instruments and styles to produce a composition inspired by the River Medway and its crossings.

Orchestra ONE workshops are free and held across Medway, Maidstone and Tonbridge with no audition necessary. They culminate in four all-day rehearsals in readiness for a final performance on August 26 at Chatham’s Historic Dockyard from 7pm.

Those interested can join the orchestra at any time, even turning up for a taster session to see what it’s like. Participants are coached by professional creative music tutors and encouraged to improvise and contribute their own musical tastes. Importantly, they also get the opportunity to experience playing as an orchestra.

Organised by music education charities Kent Music and Rhythmix, the initial two-year project was formed in May 2011 and is sponsored by the Rochester Bridge Trust. Kent Music development manager Laura Callaghan said: “Orchestra ONE is a truly remarkable project for young people who wouldn’t normally get the chance to play in an orchestra.

“Project three is particularly special as the musicians will play their composition inspiring by the River Medway right near its banks at Chatham’s Historic Dockyard.”

More information about Orchestra ONE can be found at www.kent-music.com; concert tickets are available free in advance by contacting Kent Music on 01622 358406.

Notes to editors Kent Music, founded in 1948, is a registered education charity and one of the largest music education services in Europe. It delivers instrumental and vocal teaching to more than 14,000 students; employs some 200 peripatetic teachers both full-time and part-time; and organises music groups and summer schools. Kent Music is a partner in music education with Kent County Council.

Orchestra ONE is a two-year project launched in May 2011 organised by Kent Music and Rhythmix – both music education charities – to provide a range of music making opportunities for young people across Kent and the South East. The project is sponsored by the Rochester Bridge Trust.

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