It gives you immense satisfaction when your idea is taken on board. At a meeting of NAE European Principals last October, we were asked to consider ways the schools might work together on an ambitious project. In the brainstorming that followed I suggested that we form a regional orchestra, with participants coming from each of the nine schools. My thought was to conduct school-based auditions from which we select the most talented musicians for each section of the orchestra. Furthermore, a European orchestra could be replicated in the other NAE regions and might ultimately lead to the formation of a global orchestra.
The idea was warmly received by the other Principals. It was also well-received by NAE. Four months later I am delighted to announce that preparations for the formation of a Global Orchestra are underway. In cooperation with the renowned Juilliard School of Music the very best musicians in NAE schools will travel to New York in late June to participate in workshops and perform in public. As there are 35 schools in our family, it promises to be quite an orchestra!
Mrs. Alison Porter, the Head of Music, will circulate information regarding the auditions. Although the standard necessary to secure a spot in the Global Orchestra will be high, I encourage our talented musicians to apply. This is such a wonderful opportunity to perform on the world stage.