The Strings and Orchestras faculty incorporates bowed string players as well as harpists and electric and classical guitarists.
In Year 2 all pupils receive a weekly violin, cello or double bass lesson as part of the curriculum and many continue on to our Year 3 string scheme. We run a weekly parent’s class which offers parents an insight into learning and performing on a stringed instrument. Visitors who have worked with the faculty have included the Head of Strings at RNCM Chris Hoyle, Baroque violinist Rachel Podger, guitarist and composer Will McNicol, violinist Professor Ben Holland, international conductor Ellie Slorach (OL) and Simon Smith, Head of Strings at Wells Cathedral School. Current and recent students have gone on to study at the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal Northern College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music. A number of past and current students have also played in the National Youth Orchestra, the National Children’s Orchestra and the National Schools’ Symphony Orchestra. The Foundation’s multilevel, all age string ensemble was a winner in the school orchestra category of the National Music for Youth competition and went on to play in the Schools Proms in the Royal Albert Hall, London and Symphony Hall, Birmingham as well as regularly performing in de Montfort Hall Leicester. Our string staff are experienced teachers and professional players who have performed with many of the main professional orchestras in the country.
