Blackheath Society bring Music to a primary school

Many UK primary school children are not familiar with the traditional instruments of the symphony orchestra and many do not have the opportunity to see and hear these instruments while in school. Instrument Stories is a project designed to plug that gap and to introduce the children to the world of classical music in a child friendly and accessible way. Instrument Stories, the brain child of Emma Johnson, MBE, international clarinettist and former winner of BBC’s Young Musician of the Year, is a collection of stories told by a narrator against a background of illustrations, with music composed for each orchestral instrument played by live musicians. It is performed in a workshop setting with clapping and counting games as well. The stories and music were written specially for the project by Emma, and the background pictures were drawn by Rebecca Price, a renowned children’s illustrator.

The very first Instrument Stories workshop at John Ball Primary School was a great success. 6 instruments were showcased: Viola, double bass, cello, oboe, clarinet and trumpet. Blackheath committee also attended so were able to see first-hand how the workshop was received. There were 3 classes in the each of the 2 year groups (years 3 and 4 with a total of 180 children) who attended the workshop. The children were totally rapt. They participated fully in the interactive conducting, clapping and counting games. They asked the musicians many questions at the end of the session which showed their interest and engagement.

Emma is so passionate about introducing primary school children to the benefits of music and to let them see close-up the instruments of the orchestra, she has set up a charity, the Emma Johnson Music Foundation (Registered Charity No 1208471), to advance the understanding of music, in particular orchestral instruments, in primary age school children. https://www.emmajohnsonmusicfoundation.org/