Music With Diversity

Hallam Sinfonia flautist and librarian Tony Jones writes about a recent experience at a local special needs school

On Wednesday 4th June, Sue Dumpleton and I had the pleasure of performing a short recital at Bents Green Specialist Secondary School for children with special educational needs, most of them on the autistic spectrum. We were met by Jan Copley, who looks after the music department.

We performed in the gym in front of most of the school and many staff. Our audience responded so positively in their many individual ways and were encouraged to do so - some quietly, others by rocking, and still others by pacing or perhaps dancing. There was a constant hubbub during our pieces and enthusiastic cheering after each one.

We started with The Swan – me paddling on piano and Sue being graceful on the cello -

followed by Bach (cello), Madeleine Dring (piano) and “Plaisir d’Amour” (both).

It was great fun for us. There were no bows, no programmed encores, just a sense that we

were sharing our love of music and its excitement.

Particularly so after our rousing finale of the vaudeville classic, “My Old Man”!

The school is very keen to introduce music to their children and any musician wanting toparticipate in this amazing experience would be made very welcome!