Rutland Sinfonia has held its first open rehearsal for Rutland primary school children. 

At the latest Rutland Sinfonia concert in March at Oakham School Chapel, the afternoon rehearsal was open to Rutland's primary school children, giving them, their parents and guardians an opportunity to listen to live music played by their local orchestra.

The event organised by the High Sheriff of Rutland, Geraldine Feehally in conjunction with her Concert Series, proved a success. The children were each given a musical quiz provided by the orchestra, which included word search, jokes, dot to dot, musical maze and a page of writing their own music, all relating to the music they were listening to. 

The Sinfonia's Associate Conductor David Calow introduced the sections of the orchestra to the young audience first, with many players demonstrating their instruments.

David Calow said: "This was a great way to encourage youngsters to hear an orchestra play live and it will be repeated in the future."

Nearly 30 children and parents attended and gathered in the gallery upstairs. They sat silently in amazement, whilst the orchestra played well known tunes like Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, James Bond and How to Train Your Dragon. Each piece was rewarded with a round of applause.

At the end of the rehearsal, the awestruck audience treated the orchestra to placards being held high, spelling 'Thank you'. 

One mother commentated: "It was wonderful and such a fabulous opportunity for my five and seven year olds, who thought it was magical. Thank you."

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Double Bass player Cathy Lear, added: "It was lovely, so nice to have young people and parents watching the rehearsal, and the thank you message was brilliant."

At the concert, which was open to the public and a sell-out success, the team raised an impressive £420 for the High Sheriff of Rutland's chosen children's charities. Read more here.