The London Chamber Orchestra is to extend its acclaimed ‘Music Junction’ music outreach program to Norfolk.
As a result, hundreds of young people in Norfolk will benefit from the innovative programme, which particularly supports young people with disabilities or disadvantaged backgrounds.
In Norfolk, Music Junction will operate in one secondary school, two state primary schools and at least one SEND school. Primary schools will be feeder schools for secondary school, creating a long-term music and mentoring scheme that eases young people’s transition to secondary school. By training teenage students as mentors to younger participants, the program also offers older participants the opportunity to support others and build their skills and confidence.
Music Junction has a long-term focus, working with local schools and communities over several years to deliver lasting impact. The program also provides vital opportunities for local musicians and supports the local cultural ecosystem, helping to deliver the new National Plan for Music Education, embedding best practices and providing training and sustainable development opportunities.
Speaking about the project, Vicki Long, Principal at Necton VA Primary School said: “Our core belief as a school is to empower and enrich the lives of children so that they can flourish as individuals and embrace the world before them with confidence, resilience and respect. Music Junction is the most amazing way we can achieve all this and much more! To be able to offer our children the opportunity to deepen their relationship with music so that it is further intertwined with their enjoyment of life is a gift. Music Junction will provide us with a greater dimension to how we support and prepare children for the life ahead of them; expand their horizons even further, experience success in a new context and have the confidence and skills to enter new worlds, new challenges and new dreams. We are extremely grateful to LCO for providing our children with this fabulous opportunity.”
A parent of a former Music Junction contestant said: “One of the most unique features of Music Junction is the understanding of what a tremendous difference a simple human gesture can make to individual lives and the wider social community. MJ became a beloved part of our lives, through the stories our daughter brought, her sense of commitment, and her understanding of the special meaning of the project.”
The need for programs like Music Junction has never been greater. The cost of living crisis has made music education out of reach for many, and the pandemic has caused a huge gap in music training and provision. By bringing together and supporting young people from all backgrounds, Music Junction ensures that they can enjoy musical experiences, regardless of their situation or circumstances.
Future plans for Music Junction include expanding into other counties to help many more young people, working with The OHMI Trust to adapt instruments for physically disabled young people and incorporating non-western music styles through a partnership with Indian Raga.
What is Music Junction?
Music Junction uses shared experiences of music making to bring together young people from different backgrounds who are often hidden in particular musical devices, such as those with a disability or SEND.
The London Chamber Orchestra is very experienced in providing such tailored and unique support, ensuring that these young people can join mainstream music provision.
Now in its 10th year, Music Junction has helped thousands of young people develop skills in listening, communication, creativity, leadership, teamwork and organisation. Participants also enjoy a meaningful and long-term relationship with the orchestra by attending rehearsals, concerts and playing alongside the musicians of the London Chamber Orchestra.