Stoller Hall Concerts in Numbers
Together Orchestra
On Wednesday, 17 December, we were delighted to celebrate the very first end-of-term performance by our Together Orchestra! This music group brings together children aged 7 and above with additional needs, and they have shown amazing creativity throughout the term.
The group performed their own compositions Family Rap and My Family Song, along with glockenspiel arrangements of Lean on Me and We Are Family - complete with sign language and dance moves!
We are so proud of everything they have achieved and thrilled to see this community growing through music. If you’d like to find out more or get involved next term, please get in touch—we’d love to welcome you.
A Magical Introduction to the Harp
This term, we were delighted to work in partnership with Kimberley Wong, a fourth-year music student at the Royal Northern College of Music, and a talented harpist. As part of her final-year Creative Project, Kimberley set out to raise awareness of the harp and introduce children to the unique sounds and possibilities of this beautiful instrument.
In November, Kimberley visited Templemoor Infants and St Mary’s, Davyhulme, performing in whole-school assemblies before inviting pupils to share their own creative ideas. Together, these ideas were transformed into a live harp improvisation — a moment that truly captured children’s imaginations.
Following the performances, pupils from each year group had the opportunity to explore the harp for themselves: touching the strings, discovering new sounds, and creating music in their own way.
For some of our youngest pupils, the harp was instantly soothing. Year 1 children described it as “relaxing, calm, happy and nice”, while others spoke about how the sound made them feel “joyful and calm”, like “twinkling stars, fireworks, sparkles, or being on the beach with ice cream.”
Older pupils were just as captivated. Several KS2 children had never seen or touched a harp before, and were surprised to discover that “it’s easier to play than it looks — you might go wrong, but that’s part of the fun.” One pupil reassured future harpists: “The different notes and sounds are good, even if you go wrong.”
Across the sessions, children explored glissandos with both hands, experimented with high and low pitches, and discovered how the harp’s levers change the sound. Many quickly learnt familiar melodies such as Hot Cross Buns and Mary Had a Little Lamb, proudly playing them independently.
Year 3 pupils were particularly curious, noticing how “the lower strings are longer and the higher strings are shorter”, and asking thoughtful questions about how the levers work. One child described the harp as “calm, like achieving something — a bit like a big violin, or a ukulele with more strings.”
Imagination flowed freely. The harp became “sparkles and raindrops,” “shooting stars,” and even “a big magical world if you close your eyes.” One child decided it was “cooler than a ukulele,”
Our Youth Jazz Ensemble, launching in January 2025, will run on Tuesdays, 4:15–5:15pm and is open to musicians from Beginner to Grade 3 level who are keen to explore the exciting world of jazz.
This ensemble will offer a supportive introduction to jazz, giving young musicians the opportunity to develop key stylistic techniques, build confidence, and begin improvising in a friendly group setting.
Students joining the ensemble will need to be comfortable reading music notation, as this will form an important part of the learning experience. We particularly encourage players of more traditional instruments to get involved, though anyone with a strong interest in jazz and a secure foundation on their instrument will be very welcome.
There is already strong interest in this new ensemble, with many students on the waiting list, and we would love for others to join us and be part of this growing jazz community.
Please note that applicants should have completed a minimum of two terms of lessons on their chosen instrument.
If your child is ready to try something new, develop their musicianship, and experience the energy of playing jazz together, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
Starting January 2026: Youth Jazz
Youth Jazz will be led by Simone Manunza, a Jazz specialist who also leads our Jazz Collective
Paul Harris: Big Recorder Project
St Teresa’s Primary School in Old Trafford has enjoyed a truly successful year of music-making. Pupils have taken part in the Recorder Project, written and funded by leading music educator Paul Harris, and their progress has been so impressive that the project has now expanded across the school.
Last year’s Year 4 cohort has continued their musical journey into Year 5, while a new group of Year 4 pupils has joined the project this year. Together, they are developing their recorder skills using Paul Harris’s Tudor Recorder Book, which introduces lively Tudor dances and melodies. This engaging approach not only builds technical ability but also helps pupils connect with England’s rich musical heritage.
Throughout the year, pupils’ growing confidence, musical understanding, and sense of teamwork have been clear to see in both lessons and performances.
In recognition of this commitment to music, St Teresa’s has also been awarded the Music Mark of Recognition. This national award celebrates schools that provide high-quality, inclusive music education and highlights the school’s dedication to ensuring every child has the opportunity to enjoy and succeed in music.
Two students from St Teresa’s Primary School perform a duet they have been enthusiastically rehearsing together during break times.
Trafford Music Service teacher Miss Boardman commented:
“We are delighted to see the pupils of St Teresa’s thriving through Paul Harris’s Recorder Project. Their enthusiasm and progress have been outstanding, and it is wonderful to see their achievements recognised with the Music Mark of Recognition.”
Staff at St Teresa’s Primary School added:
“The children have embraced the Recorder Project with real enthusiasm. Their growing skills and confidence are a joy to see, and we are proud of the way they support one another in lessons and performances.”
The Recorder Project at St Teresa’s is a wonderful example of how music can inspire and empower young learners. With the support of Trafford Music Service and the guidance of Paul Harris’s resources, pupils are developing musical skills that will stay with them for life. The Music Mark award marks a proud moment for the school and celebrates the hard work and dedication of its pupils.
Producers from ITV have been in touch and have borrowed the timpani from our Philharmonic Orchestra for a special broadcast of Christmas Carols with Myleene Klass.
Be sure to tune in at 11:40 pm on Christmas Eve — don’t forget to give our timpani a wave on screen!
Timps on TV
Battle of the Bands
It’s that time of year again! After a record-breaking nine bands entered last year’s competition, we’re gearing up for another fantastic evening of live music. Applications have begun to roll in.
The Trafford Heats will take place on Saturday 31st January at The Claremont Centre, where bands will perform 2–3 songs each in front of a live audience. The winning band will go on to represent Trafford at Band on the Wall in Manchester this March.
Tickets for family and friends will be available closer to the date.
For further information and how to apply, click here.