BBC orchestra has a ball in Oban

Early in the week, Lucy Drever and BBC SSO musicians led an Oban High School edition of ‘Song Sessions’, where pupils explored the process of devising their own music, sketching songs, refining lyrics and rehearsing their pieces. Their ideas formed the basis of unique music and songs, soundscapes  and spoken words.

BBC Scotland’s L.A.B. also worked with the BBC SSO and Oban High School pupils to create a special ‘Soundwalk’ film about life in the schoolchildren’s local area. 

On Thursday, October 24, 130 pupils from across Argyll and the Isles came together at Oban High School to  be mentored by BBC SSO musicians, alongside local instrumental tutors, as they formed an orchestra  together for the first time – it was a unique opportunity for young instrumentalists to learn from professional  musicians, and experience the power of a symphony orchestra. 

The orchestra returned to Oban High School the following day, Friday, to perform exclusive concerts for primary and secondary school pupils in the Games Hall, with BBC SSO musicians performing music from the BBC’s Ten Pieces project alongside scores from films and games, hearing live music up-close in their own school, and exploring creativity and storytelling in an informal and fun environment. 

As well as creative workshops at Rockfield Primary School and St Columba’s Primary School, Lucy Drever  invited families with young children on a musical trip to the farm in Tunes for Tots on Saturday morning at the Corran Halls, which were sold out. Featuring music and songs, these  sessions for young children (0-5) and their parents, carers and siblings were full of fun, child-led moments. 

The BBC SSO’s action-packed week culminated in the Saturday evening concert, conducted by Riley Court-Wood. The performance was recorded for future broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and featured Mendelssohn’s ‘Scottish’ Symphony, William Grant Still’s ‘Wood Notes’ and Vaughan William’s famous ‘The Lark Ascending’ featuring the sensational violinist Elena Urioste. 

The residency was presented by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra with support from Argyll and Bute  Council.