Share Sound: Chineke! online workshops for Lincolnshire young musicians

Chineke! is partnering with Lincolnshire Music Service (LMS) in a brand new programme with young musicians in Lincolnshire starting this autumn term.

Chineke!’s professional musicians will deliver workshops and co-create activities with young members of LMS County Groups , through a scheme developed in partnership with Orchestras Live.

County Groups are made of up of young musicians, aged up to 21, from across Lincolnshire. Registration is open now for new members, so more young people can take part in this amazing project. Due to Covid 19 the musicians aren’t able to meet in person, and will be taking part in rehearsals and performances for a new virtual orchestra developed by the Music Service, the Lincolnshire Youth Metropole Orchestra.

Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, the founder, Artistic and Executive Director of Chineke! said,

"I'm thrilled that the Chineke! professionals are involved with this project. Their experience and passion for music have been an inspiration to our Chineke! Junior musicians, giving them the confidence to deliver stand out performances for occasions like Britain's Got Talent. I'm certain that the young musicians in Lincolnshire will derive so much joy and new insights from this brilliant opportunity."

Jennifer McKie, Head of Lincolnshire Music Service said,

"We're very keen for our County Group members to have the opportunity to work with Chineke!, who will bring a fresh perspective to classical music for our young musicians. Chineke's exceptional musicians will work alongside our members and team to realise a new approach to County Groups for 2020/21.
It's an especially thrilling time to be starting this relationship, as the Chineke! Junior Orchestra has recently made it through to the semi finals of Britain's Got Talent, and the orchestra includes two current County Group members."

Malc Duckels County Group Co-ordinator added,

"This is such an exciting opportunity for Lincolnshire Music Service. Our County Group offer has a completely new look and feel to it, and what better way to start the new season than with the announcement of such an amazing partnership. The link is strengthened even more with two of our students already being involved with Chineke! We're taking this opportunity to widen our horizons and to perform a different style of music, whilst retaining a classical music feel."

The project is being co-produced with Orchestras Live and will be facilitated by composer James Redwood with a team of professional musicians from Chineke!

Jan Ford, Senior Creative Producer is excited that Orchestras Live was able to facilitate the partnership with Chineke! “The young people are going to have such an amazing experience with these musicians and the Lincolnshire Music Service tutors. They’ll be able to compose new music and perform with some of the country’s top orchestral musicians and develop into a unique new ensemble for the future.”

Workshops will start in autumn 2020, with a video gaming focus and will lead to young musicians composing a brand new work by Summer 2021 which may be shared in a national online music festival featuring young people from across the country.