The number of schools accessing Opera North’s award-winning music education programme, In Harmony Opera North, has doubled this term with over 3,200 pupils now benefitting each week from the high-quality music provision and performance opportunities the initiative provides.
The new In Harmony schools are Sharp Lane Primary School in Leeds; Ling Bob Junior, Infant & Nursery School in Halifax; King’s Meadow Academy in Pontefract; and Saville Town Church of England VC Infant & Nursery School, Thornhill Lees Church of England VC Infant and Nursery School, and Diamond Wood Community Academy in Kirklees.
They join inner-city Leeds schools, Windmill Primary School, where the programme launched in 2013, Low Road Primary School, Richmond Hill Academy, Clapgate Primary School and New Bewerley Community School. Trinity Academy, a secondary school in Leeds, also offers In Harmony musical activity as part of its afterschool provision.
Pupils at Ling Bob School in Halifax listening to members of the Orchestra of Opera North at the In Harmony launch event © Tom Arber
The initiative delivers an inclusive weekly programme of music education, enabling young people to access the arts and, in so doing, realise their creative potential.
“I believe so much in the potential of music to change lives. Music addresses so many needs. The brilliant thing about In Harmony is that it brings those opportunities to schools like mine where the children might not otherwise have access to them. It brings me so much pleasure to see my pupils going home with their cellos on their backs, their French horns under their arms. And even if just one of them continues their music through to teenage years, then I will feel it’s my job well done!”
– Emma Ford, Headteacher, Ling Bob Junior, Infant & Nursery School, Halifax
Regular group music making activity is embedded in the school curriculum with the measurable benefits including listening, speaking, problem solving, creativity, positivity, increased aspirations, leadership and teamwork. The programme also provides an entry point for talented young musicians who can choose to embark on a classical music learning pathway with Opera North through school and beyond.
Pupils from Ling Bob School in Halifax meet Byron Parish from the Orchestra of Opera North at the In Harmony launch event © Tom Arber
Musicianship is taught to the Early Years and KS1 students by Opera North’s dedicated team at every participating school. For those schools on the full programme, during Year 3 or in some cases Year 4, all pupils are given the chance to learn to play a string instrument and to take part in choir sessions. A year later, every child gets the opportunity to try out or switch to a brass instrument, with a choice of trumpet, French horn or trombone.
“It makes me feel happy when I play music”
– Chloë, Windmill Primary School pupil
They are also encouraged to join the afterschool band or choir. Repertoire can include anything from simple songs and nursery rhymes through contemporary songs chosen by the children themselves, to traditional orchestral and operatic works. Termly performances are held for family and friends, with opportunities for workshops and performances with musicians from the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North throughout the year. The programme also impacts more broadly, increasing cultural participation among the wider community.
Participants in Opera North's Young Musicians Studio © Tom Arber
Over the past decade, the programme has opened up singing and instrumental playing to thousands of children who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to engage with music in this way. As they near the end of their primary years, there is an option for young instrumentalists to join Opera North’s Young Musicians Studio which is held in Leeds on Saturdays and builds on the curriculum learning with small group tuition in musicianship, improvisation, composition and ensemble playing. Young vocalists can become part of the In Harmony Opera North Saturday Choir to continue to hone their vocal skills. Particularly enthusiastic and committed participants can subsequently audition to join the Opera North Youth Orchestra or the Opera North Youth Company.
In Harmony Opera North is generously funded by:
Arts Council England
The Liz & Terry Bramall Foundation
Opera North Future Fund
In Harmony Ambassadors:
The Charles and Elsie Sykes Trust
In Harmony Supporters:
The Whitaker Charitable Trust
Kenneth Hargreaves Charitable Trust
W W Spooner Charitable Trust
The Harrison-Frank Family Foundation
