Education

2010 sees an exiting new education project for SUSO! SUSO's President of 2009-2010, Kat Hattersley pioneered a pilot scheme called The Baby SUSO Project  which aimed to bring orchestral music to children in local primary and secondary schools by taking an orchestra into their schools. Through the project we wanted to enthuse children about classical music so that they wanted to go to concerts at local venues themselves or even take up an instrument. This year's project was a massive success and has set a precedent for The Baby SUSO Project to continue next year. 

Although Southampton has an exciting and thriving music scene there are not many opportunities for children to see a live orchestra. Through The Baby SUSO Project we want to cross these barriers by bringing the music to them. The 2010 project went to three Southampton schools in February and March where we performed half an hour concerts on wednesdays after school. The repertoire for the concert consisted of well known classical pieces as well as children’s film music. The project also held a student composition competition based on the theme of The Olympics, with the winning composition being performed in each concert by the orchestra. The concerts were conducted by three of the University of Southampton’s finest conducting students and the orchestra was made up of members of the Southampton University Symphony Orchestra who all wanted to share their experience and passion for the promotion of orchestral music.

The project was featured on Meridian, on local radio stations, in local newspapers and in Music Teacher Magazine (April Edition). 

Plans for the 2011 project are underway. If you would like more information or are interested in getting your school involved please email the President.