Sowing the Seeds with Adam Bushell

Pier One has completed its second, very successful term. After consulting with the ensemble’s members, we had a few sessions this term where everyone learned some instrumental techniques on specific instruments, most of which were new to everyone. This was a lot of fun, and led to the players were really excited to get their hands on violas, xylophones and other instruments. It led to a lot of new and unexpected sounds & textures, and sowed the seeds of some fascinating new music. 

After half term we started developing those seeds to create two fully fledged collaborative compositions, both of which showed off the range of instruments (and vocals) we’d been exploring. All the participants contributed ideas to the music, and the staff supported everyone to develop their own instrumental parts – everyone’s voice was heard in the final music. 

And we were able to give our first public performance of those two pieces, as part of the Eastbourne Music Centre end of term concert. It was great for Pier One to be able to perform onstage alongside wind bands, percussion groups, string orchestras and the like. There was a strong sense of mutual 

support and musical community amongst all the young people, from all the ensembles. 

Alongside this practical work, Pier One is still working to spread concepts of inclusivity amongst the wider team of teachers at Create Music. We have helped deliver a training session on inclusivity at the Create Music staff conference, invited expert speakers to deliver online training sessions open to all staff and set up an online forum where staff can discuss & share ideas around inclusivity. This outreach is already bearing fruit, with Create Music staff getting in touch and asking to visit Pier One rehearsals. 

So not only is the Pier One ensemble already feeling well established in itself with a very welcoming family feeling amongst the musicians & staff, but the wider concept of inclusivity is feeling well established at Create Music.