There was something for all musical tastes, from rock and roll, to blues and jazz, when around 50 young musicians from across the West Norfolk Academies Trust came together at our school to showcase their talents.

Organised by WNAT – of which we are a member – the Musical Instrument Tuition Initiative (MITI) Workshop was hosted by Smithdon High School, and saw our students joined by younger pupils from several feeder schools, including Snettisham Primary, and Heacham Junior (both also part of the Trust), and Hunstanton Primary.

“We had Smithdon students participating from across Years 7 to 11,” said WNAT Peripatetic Music Lead Benjamin Howell, who organised the event.

“Students represented a broad range of instrumental areas, including strings, woodwind, brass, and percussion.”

The musicians were divided into a String Orchestra and Wind Band, playing under the guidance of Mr Howell and Peripatetic Music Team members Eddie Seales, Mary-Ann Robinson, and David Maddison; while the workshop was also supported by WNAT Director of Music Robin Norman.

“Students worked in two groups, coming together for a couple of combined pieces,” continued Mr Howell.

“Throughout the workshop, the students explored a mixture of repertoire, featuring elements of rock and roll, boogie-woogie, and jazz.”

The day concluded with a performance for family members and friends, where the musicians were able to display their new skills.

“The final performance was well received, and attended by a number of parents, whose support was very much appreciated, as always, in encouraging the students on their musical journey,” added Mr Howell.