Open orchestras was created back in 2013 to address a lack of ensemble musical provision in SEN schools. Originally piloted at six SEN schools in the South-West during 2013-15, Open Orchestras has been carefully developed through participatory design with young disabled musicians, teachers and music leaders. With this fantastic scheme having spread across England, Arts Active launched the first Open Orchestra in Wales in the Autumn of 2018 with Riverbank school in Cardiff. This created the first orchestra made up of SEN children in Wales. We hope this project will keep continuing on and inspire the children taking part to learn music and enjoy the arts.
The safety of our participants and tutors is very important to us. Due to the circumstances surrounding the current COVID19 outbreak all Open Orchestra sessions are currently not taking place until further notice.
However – We will be uploading new activities and music while our Open Orchestra in person activities cannot take place. Check them out below…
Music and movement time with Phil and Emma Spring 2021
Join Phil and Emma as they take you on exciting journeys through music, movement and stories. These short videos are designed to be enjoyed at any time and as often as you like. They [...]
Open Orchestra: Film Music – Make your Own Didgeridoo and Play Along
-Part of our Open Orchestra activities- This week we are looking at creating film songs. Why not try making your own didgeridoo with the video and instructions below and play along to the audio [...]
Open Orchestra: Film & TV: Make your Own Banjo and Play Along
-Part of our Open Orchestra activities- This week we are looking at creating Film and TV music. Why not try making your own banjo with the video and instructions below and play along to [...]
Open Orchestra: Film Music – How to Make a Harmonica and Play Along
-Part of our Open Orchestra activities- This week we are looking at creating Film & Tv Music. Why not try making your own harmonica with the video and instructions below and play along to [...]
Open Orchestra: Magic Music – Make your own Kazoo and Play Along
-Part of our Open Orchestra activities- This week we are looking at creating magic music. Why not try making your own kazoo with using a toilet roll with the video and instructions below and [...]
Open Orchestra: Colour Music – How to Make a Xylophone from Drinking Glasses
-Part of our Open Orchestra activities- This week we are looking at creating music with colour. Why not try making your own xylophone from drinking glasses with the video and instructions below and play [...]
Open Orchestra: Animal Music – Make your Own Castanets and Play Along
-Part of our Open Orchestra activities- This week we are looking at creating animal music. Why not try making your own crocodile castanets with the video and instructions below and play along to the [...]
Open Orchestra: Make your own Maraca and Play Along
-Part of our Open Orchestra activities- This week we are looking at creating dancing musics. Why not try making your own Maraca with the video and instructions below and play along to the audio [...]
Open Orchestra: Night Music – Make your own Wind Chime and play along
-Part of our Open Orchestra activities- This week we are looking at creating night themed songs. Why not try making your own guiro using a water bottle with the video and instructions below and [...]
Open Orchestra: Musicals – Make your own box guitar and play along
-Part of our Open Orchestra activities- This week we are looking at creating music to accompany musical theatre. Why not try making your own box guitar with the video and instructions below and play [...]
Open Orchestra: Summer Songs – Make your own guiro and play along
-Part of our Open Orchestra activities- This week we are looking at creating summer themed songs. Why not try making your own guiro using a water bottle with the video and instructions below and [...]
Open Orchestra: Make your own drum kit and play along
-Part of our Open Orchestra activities- This week we are looking at creating music to join in with Disney tunes. Why not try making your own drum kit with the video and instructions below and [...]
Open Orchestra Rain Music & Story Time: Make your own rainstick & play along
-Part of our Open Orchestra activities- This week we are looking at creating rain music and music to join in with stories. Why not try making your own rain stick with the video and [...]
Open Orchestra Bird Song: Make your own panpipes & play along
-Part of our Open Orchestra activities- This week we are looking at creating birdsong music. Why not try making your own panpipes with the video and instructions below and play along to the audio [...]