Play live, share your music
How does Open Orchestras work?
Open Orchestras is a game-changing programme that provides everything needed: an accessible instrument, repertoire and training, so that special schools can set up their orchestra and run it sustainably, just like mainstream schools do. In the first year, we recommend co-delivery to take your ensemble music-making to the next level, involving:
- an Orchestra Leader – that’s a member of your school staff who’s musical and knows the students,
- an external Music Leader – usually provided by a partner Music Hub or Arts organisation.
Everyone gets so much out of it… 100% of practitioners would recommend Open Orchestras (2022-2024 feedback surveys).
Watch Programme Manager Jonathan Westrup explain how we’ll get your orchestra started:
Benefits of joining
A tour of what you get in Year 1:
- Online training and mentoring programme for new staff
- Online CPD: Winter Showcase and Summer Conference
- 20 Clarion licences (iPad and Windows devices)
- 13 accessible music pieces for your orchestra
- Scheme of work for every piece
- Evaluation framework and reports
- My Orchestra website
- Customer support 5 days a week
Clarion for Open Orchestras
This version of Clarion is exclusive to subscribing Open Orchestras:
- My Cloud (share your patterns)
- Edit patterns
- Add folders
- 13 sounds
- 13 Open Orchestra pieces
- Free Clarion patterns like Happy Birthday
- Pentatonic jam session
- BBC Ten Pieces
Benefits of joining
Your annual subscription covers everything you need to succeed
Your Year 1 subscription (£750) covers:
- Online training and mentoring for two staff (in-person training option also available at additional cost)
- Online CPD showcase and Summer Conference
- 20 Clarion licences, playable on iPad and Windows devices
- 13 accessible music pieces for your orchestra
- Scheme of work for every piece
- Evaluation framework
- ‘My Orchestra’, our online space for resources and community
- Customer support
In Year 2, your reduced subscription (£550) ensures you continue to be part of the Open Orchestras community. Training and mentoring can be added to the subscription.
Clarion for Open Orchestras
Open Orchestras comes with an exclusive version of the Clarion accessible instrument. Download the app on your iPads and Windows PCs, and play with any part of the body including head or eye movement (with headtracker and eyegaze technology).
- 13 high-quality instrument sounds
- 13 Open Orchestra pieces and Pentatonic Jam session
- Fully customisable Play screen
- The ability to create and edit Patterns, arranging notes to suit your students; and to share them
- Free Clarion Patterns like Happy Birthday and BBC Ten Pieces
Everything you need to succeed
Repertoire
Open Orchestras comes with music that everyone can play. We’ve created a range of exciting pieces with themes like The River, and space (Venus by Holst) for you to explore with your students. Re-imagine each piece and make it your own.
Schemes of work
Every piece of repertoire comes with a scheme of work to help you plan your musical activities. You’ll be guided to build up your ensemble, from working in pairs to small groups to the full orchestra.
Training and community
With Open Orchestras, you’re never on your own. The programme will give you the confidence and reassurance that you’re getting it right, plus you’ll get loads of great ideas that have worked well for others in the Open Orchestras community.
