WCOYC BLOG 2: An Orchestral Adventure Through Time

An Orchestral Adventure Through Time

On the 11th of February 2025, the peer researchers of the ‘Wolverhampton City of Youth Culture’ project attended ‘An Orchestral Adventure Through Time’, an incredible concert that explored music spanning over 300 years. The event took place at The Halls in Wolverhampton City Centre, with two sessions across the day. Led by presenter Rachel Leach, with Peter Morris conducting the Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra and Catriona Roberts leading the Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra, the event introduced students to key musical concepts such as tonality, harmony, dynamics and rhythm.

The sounds of excitement and chatter filled the venue as different schools from across Wolverhampton came to attend the event. When it was time to begin, the conductor calmly and wordlessly commanded attention, and the room fell silent. The host then carried out a short yet detailed introduction as to what the event entailed – a journey through almost 400 years of classical music, which the audience of young people all cheered for.

Throughout the concert, students experienced a diverse selection of pieces, from the Baroque era with Te Deum (1692) to modern compositions like Baba Yetu (2005). Each piece highlighted different aspects of orchestral music, from Beethoven’s powerful Symphony No. 5 to the dramatic intensity of Mars, the Bringer of War.

Between each performance, the host led short segments that included either interactive music activities with the crowd or entertaining mini educational lessons based on music history and music theory. Comedic elements and call-and-response exercises in these segments kept the whole event engaging and fun.

A special moment was the introduction of Grace Evangaline Mason, a young composer from Wolverhampton, who shared her journey from orchestra member to composer. Grace shared the inspiration behind her piece “The Imagined Forest” before the orchestra played an excerpt of the piece itself. Her attendance acted as an inspiring example of what someone in Wolverhampton can achieve; it was also a brilliant example for the young girls in the audience, showing them this is a path they could also take if they wish.

Click below to hear the students cheering with excitement….

This event was an exciting way for young people to discover orchestral music, its history, and its impact. Keep reading to dive deeper into some of the students’ and teachers’ feedback from the event and what made it so special!

Reactions to the event

One Year 7 teacher shared his excitement about the event, describing how students were engaged throughout the day. He noted how the morning group tended to be a little quieter, while the afternoon session was livelier – a true reflection on how students behave at school!  He was so impressed by the high-quality resource materials provided and suggested that if schools received them at the start of the academic year, they could be woven into the curriculum for even greater impact. Beyond the music itself, he appreciated the opportunity to bring so many of his students along to such a prestigious event. Overall, he described the event as a “brilliant opportunity” that left a lasting impression on both him and his students.

So what did the students think? Speaking with the students after the event, their enthusiasm was clear:

“I loved the Star Wars music!”

 

“It was fantastic, I really loved the different music that was played.”

 

“I really enjoyed the aesthetic of the whole event—it was really nice.”

 

“I used to play the guitar, and it made me think of that.”

 

“It would be good to hear music that we listen to now as classical music.”

 

For many young people, this was their first real encounter with live classical music but by the end of the event many students said they would now consider attending a classical music performance, something they never would have thought about before. If experiences like this can inspire a new generation to engage with live music, then that is a truly incredible outcome.

 

This Orchestral Adventure Through Time concert, organised by Wolverhampton Music Service, provided these young people a refreshing break from a typical school day. It highlighted how alongside education, real-life experiences are equally important for their overall development. This experience will surely inspire many of these young people to explore music on a deeper level, as long as support and opportunities continue to be available to them to pursue this interest.

An opportunity for you to experience the event…

For those interested in learning more, we have included QR codes linking to student discussions about various instruments and composers featured in the performance. Scan the codes below to hear insights on the violin, trumpet, flute, percussion, and more, as well as a conversation with Grace Evangaline about her composition.

Hear a student of the music service talk about the VIOLIN!

Hear a student of the music service talk about the TRUMPET

Hear a student of the music service talk about the CELLO

Hear a student of the music service talk about the VIOLA

Experience what it is like to be a composer by watching GRACE’S VLOG of the piece.

Hear a student of the music service talk about the FLUTE

Hear a student of the music service talk about the TROMBONE

Watch this space….

 Just to give you a taste of what’s coming up as part of the ‘Wolverhampton City of Youth Culture’ project we have some more dates for your diary, and we’ll be posting further blogs after each.

On 20 May 2025 we have another event from the Wolverhampton Music Education Services ‘Singing in the Halls’ where primary school children from across the region will come together at The Halls venue in Wolverhampton. Check out the videos that are already on YouTube and join Paul Wilcox (Wolverhampton Music Services) if you want to know more, learn the songs and get ready, click the link below:

On 2 August 2025 you’re all invited to the ‘Same Difference Festival’ which will take place in Wolverhampton’s West Park. This annual festival seeks to champion young people and the super diversity of the city alongside the cultural providers within the Local Cultural Education Partnership. The festival celebrates dance, music and all types of visual arts in a fully inclusive way. More details and booking information coming soon. CLICK HERE  for visuals.

We’ll also be reporting on the Wolverhampton arts trail as it develops, where young people from across Wolverhampton will have opportunities to get involved and work with local artists. We’ve got it all going on, something for everyone – Let’s Go!

Authors:

Doina Surchicin, Taneesha Lewis, Rachel Winsper, and Simone Booth