Masterworks 2010

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SCO Connect's flagship project for Standard and Higher Grade students reaches over 30 secondary schools and tours to six Scottish regions every year. Since its inception in 1998 this highly popular and adventurous programme has put established classics and contemporary music under the microscope.

"Can I just say how much I, my colleague and the pupils enjoyed the Masterworks concert yesterday... Truly inspiring. The performances were amazing and the presentations by Paul Rissman were fantastic and really secured each concept/feature in our minds…"                                                                                   Teacher, Highland

2010

In Autumn 2010 Masterworks focused on the concept of Minimalism. Participating schools received the following:

  • Teacher CPD session for each participating Local Authority
  • Resource pack for all teachers
  • A visit to all schools by SCO players
  • Tickets for the Masterwoks schools concert performance
  • Ticket offer for the linked concert New Romantics

Training

The Teacher CPD sessions and SCO player training was led by Paul Rissmann. Teachers had a great time playing instruments, learning about the music and left full of ideas to take to the classroom!

"...I was extremely impressed with the entire concept and the inspirational way it was delivered." 

 Teacher, Fife

School visits

For two weeks in September, teams of SCO musicians visited pupils from over 30 schools to deliver a 2-hour workshop featuring instrument introductions and practical music-making based on music featuring in the Masterworks concert.

"Thank you for today. The children had such a good time, and the response to the visit was nothing but positive. The class I had in the afternoon was most disappointed that I wasn’t going to speak to them about Minimalism, but instead on Scottish strathspeys and reels!"

Teacher, Highland

"Would you pass on my thanks to [the players]? They were a breath of fresh air and so useful...the workshop was a treat. I admire their adaptability!"

Teacher, Edinburgh

School Performances

At the end of the project everyone involved joined the full forces of the SCO for a special concert. Experienced animateur Paul Rissmann guided the audience through the work with a visual presentation followed by a full performance of the pieces.

"We have a very mixed catchment. Some of our candidates will never get the chance to witness this style of music. They really enjoyed the performance, and were ‘buzzing’ after the event."

Teacher, Fife

"Amazing, you felt like you were in another world when you listened to them."

Pupil, South Ayrshire

Funding

The SCO gratefully acknowledges generous financial support for Masterworks 2010 from:

The Radcliffe Trust

The Hugh Fraser Foundation

Davidson (Nairn) Charitable Trust

Fife Youth Music Activities Charitable Trust

Kinburn (St Andrews) Charitable Trust (previously The Hamada Charitable Trust)

Tayfield Foundation

and would like to thank the following:

The City of Edinburgh Council
Fife Council
Arts and Theatres Trust Fife Ltd
South Ayrshire Council
East Ayrshire Council
Highland Council

Masterworks will be returning in 2012!

Please contact us for more information if interested

Film

The previous year  (2009) over 900 pupils took part in Masterworks, and a film was made about the project. Click here or follow the link below to watch a film about the project.