UP! Orchestra
UP! Orchestra is a free inclusive orchestra for experienced musicians, complete beginners and anyone in between!
Supported by Arts Council England, delivered by Surrey Arts.
In a nutshell, what it’s all about!?
- Making new music in a supportive, safe and creative environment
- Learning to play a new instrument, sing or build on existing skills
- Making new friends
- Having lots of fun
- Performing at high profile events
- Making the world a slightly better place!
To register please apply online:
or contact: surreyarts@surreycc.gov.uk
in more detail….
What is the Orchestra and who is it for?
UP! Orchestra is an award winning ensemble designed to be accessible for young people aged
13+ of all backgrounds and abilities including those with special educational needs. We are
particularly interested in welcoming young people who have been unable to access music education
because of their life circumstances and lack of suitable opportunities on offer locally. Whilst there are no specific entry requirements and no audition process we feel that the ensemble is not currently suitable for PMLD/SLD young people. Please do contact us to discuss this if you are unsure.
What happens at the sessions?
10.30am – 12.30pm
UP! Orchestra is led by an awesome team of professional musicians whose aim is to ensure each participant has a meaningful musical and dance experience regardless of ability, musical interest, vocal
style or instrument. The team is experienced in supporting young people in mainstream settings as well as those who have mental health, disability, behavioural, ESL (English as a second language) needs and young people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
What is currently happening at UP! Orchestra
We are currently working towards a performance at the end of the summer term in Brighton and are not taking on new members. If you would like to join UP! Orchestra in the Autumn term we would love for you to complete a registration form.
Please see below for videos and information about past projects
Check out what’s up with UP! Watch our videos…
UP! perform in CollabRio! at the Olympic Park, London
Watch UP! perform a specially adapted version of Carnival! in collaboration with the Paraiso School of
Samba and Rhythmic Collision Dance Company, London September 3, 2016
UP! at DAiSYfest 2016 (G-Live, Guildford)
Peek behind the scenes of the UP! Orchestra’s first performance of Carnival! at DAiSYfest, June 9 2016
ISME Latest…
The excitement is mounting and plans are well under way for UP!’s guest performance at the 32nd World Conference of the International Society for Music Education (ISME) in Glasgow, this July. UP! will be performing on Wednesday 27 July from 12–12.30 pm in the Stevenson Hall at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland………
An UP!Beat Occasion
Representatives of UP! and Surrey Music Hub attended the Music Teacher Awards for Excellence on 25 February, in a fabulous black-tie gala dinner and ceremony at the Jumeirah Carlton Hotel, Knightsbridge. UP! were one of the nominees for the Best Musical Initiative, and although we didn’t win (this time) it was a very rewarding (if not awarding) occasion.
The Music Teacher Awards have been described as the Oscars of music education, and Jim Pinchen certainly got into that spirit by trying to recreate the famous Bradley Cooper we-fie from 2014!
The UP! We-fie from Left to Right: Jim Pinchen, Mary Crawley, Philip Trumble, Laura Callaghan Grooms and Charlotte White.
NEWSFLASH – UP! Orchestra invited to play at ISME 2016
Happy New Year from the Orchestra of Unlimited Potential, and some fantastic news – UP! have been invited to perform at the 32nd World Conference of the International Society for Music Education (ISME) in Glasgow, this July.
There were around 100 submissions to perform at the event, so UP!’s inclusion is a testament to the amazing achievements of our talented young members, and the inspiration and encouragement of all the group’s tutors and leaders.
Watch this space for more details..
UP! Nominated for Major Education Award
The UP! Orchestra have been short-listed for the Best Musical Initiative Award at the 2016 Music Teacher Awards for Excellence! Congratulations and thanks to all the educators, musicians, students and support staff associated with UP! in our first amazing year.
The award ceremony takes place on 25 February, 2016 in London. Click here to view the nominations in all categories…
Taster Sessions and Rehearsal Programme
Following a ground-breaking performance at the Royal Albert Hall and an international music exchange performance, the UP! Orchestra is back. Surrey’s first county orchestra for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.