OPUS - new opportunities in music


A SELECTION OF PREVIOUS OPUS PROJECTS OPUS ENSEMBLE OPUS musicians have been undertaking a year-long programme of work to explore group creativity through music-making. OPUS musicians have been exploring the creative processes of music-making and creative learning, before continuing this research alongside students from three secondary schools in Derby. A final showcase of this work took take place on Friday 17th July 2009 at The Voicebox, Derby. A small group of these young people continue to be involved in the planning and delivery of much of OPUS' creative music-making work across the region. *Although I know the work that they are capable of doing I was completely 'Bowled' over by them at the concert.* Marion Chester, Head of Music, St Benedict School, Derby

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'INSIDE OUT' In partnership with Park Infant and Nursery School in Shirebrook, and working alongside traditional games expert Ethel Swann, OPUS musician Nick Cutts led sessions for reception, year 1 and year 2 students exploring communication and interaction in play through creative music-making. The project finished with a school celebration of work to which parents and carers were invited to take part in music making and play alongside their children. Nick's work has impacted on teacher's attitude to have a go and to be better risk takers. This will impact not only on music making but in other areas of the curriculum. Jenny Rogers, Headteacher, Park Infant and Nursery School ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ROBIN OF SHERWOOD, THEATRE ROYAL, NOTTINGHAM OPUS musicians wrote and performed music for a new production of Robin of Sherwood in partnership with the Royal Company, Theatre Royal, Nottingham. Performances took place from 23 July - 2 August 2008 and featured ex Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan as the Sheriff of Nottingham. The four-piece OPUS make a splendid musical contribution, especially with their folksy fiddling background sounds. Alan Geary, Nottingham Evening Post ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BBC BLAST OPUS musicians delivered creative music workshops to 13-19 year olds as part of the BBC Blast on tour programme. Workshops took place in Derby's market place from 25-28 June 2008. BBC Blast website ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DERBY HOSPITALS OPUS musicians recently worked alongside Derby Hospitals to explore the potential of creative music-making for patients and staff across the General Hospital and Royal Infirmary sites. Musicians worked with patients at the Children's Hospital and at the MacMillan and Elderly Rehabilitation Wards. It is hoped to build a larger-scale programme of ongoing work in partnership with Derby Hospital. Please can I thank you or the performances this week you certainly made a big hit with the kids on Puffin Ward yesterday. Frances Watson, Derby Hospitals NHS FoundationTrust ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'DANCESING' In partnership with Park Infant and Nursery School in Shirebrook, and working alongside dance artist Jennifer Stokes, OPUS musician Nick Cutts led sessions for reception, year 1 and year 2 students exploring colour and materials through creative music-making. The project began with a whole school trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park with workshops taking place around sculptures by Barbara Hepworth. The children were totally engaged and everybody's efforts were praised. The experience stimulated creative expressive language from the children. Jenny Rogers, Headteacher, Park Infant and Nursery School ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ORCHESTRAL RHYTHM AND RHYME Early Years music development for children and their parents/carers in partnership with Derbyshire County Council and sinfonia VIVA. OPUS musicians led sessions based in libraries across Derbyshire while training librarians and musicians from sinfonia ViVA. Evaluation report from phase 3 of the project It was excellent having the musicians and instruments there – they were brilliant with the children and it was fantastic that it was hands-on. Chloe’s confidence musically has developed a lot, now whenever she hears music she starts to dance and clap! I believe this may be the start of a lifelong love of music! We liked everything, but particularly the way Zak has been encouraged to join in. He was shy at the start but now he joins in with gusto! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GETTING CREATIVE IN THE CLASSROOM Bloom, a project inspiring trainee teachers from Derby University in partnership with Creative Partnerships Derby to explore creative approaches to teaching and learning. OPUS musicians worked with trainee teachers alongside poet and writer Panya Banjoko to explore creative teaching and learning using the Silk Mill Museum for inspiration. Pupils from local primary schools visited the museum for the students to put practice into reality. Derby University News This whole initiative is all about active learning and encourages children to take part in different activities... Fiona Shelton, BEd programme leader within the University’s School of Education