Students from Astrea Academy Woodfields travelled to London this week to perform at Westminster Concert Hall in front of an audience, which included none other than Andrew Lloyd-Webber.
The group of nine Woodfields students played flutes, trumpets and trombones at the London venue, joining other students from across the country to perform in front of a large audience. Woodfields teachers Ruth Lockwood and Julie Atkins also took part in the concert.
The performance was organised by the Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST), which has been working with students at Woodfields for three years now, giving them the chance to learn a musical instrument.
MiSST is supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and provides free classical instruments and weekly music tuition to over 11,200 students, primarily in schools in disadvantaged areas.
Woodfields headteacher, David Scales, met Lord Lloyd-Webber at the concert and thanked him for the difference the scheme has made to his school.
Julie Atkins, Curriculum Leader Performing Arts at Woodfields, said: “It was such a privilege to take our students to London for this special event.
“They thoroughly enjoyed performing on stage and it is a great joy to witness firsthand the musical journey they have been on since learning a musical instrument.
“We are so grateful to MiSST for all the musical tuition and opportunities the organisation has made available to our students at Woodfields.”
David Scales, Principal at Astrea Academy Woodfields, said: “This was a spectacular evening and I am very proud of our students for the commitment and drive they have shown.
“Getting to the point where this is even possible has required a three-year investment in the performing arts at Woodfelds, the wonderful support of MiSST and the passion and dedication of scholars and staff alike.
“The music at Westminster Concert Hall was incredible, the performances astonishing, and very few dry eyes were spotted. Andrew Lloyd-Webber is right: music is life-changing.”
Astrea Academy Trust runs 26 schools across South Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire, with all schools being rated as Good by Ofsted.
