Students at Hawthorn have the opportunity to learn and perform through the school’s partnership with Capital Youth Music.  Fewer opportunities and rising costs mean more and more young people can’t access the opportunities for friendship and confidence that come from music.  Hawthorn Primary and Capital Youth Music are working together to change that.

Capital Youth Music is a groundbreaking Registered Charity led by a cooperative of professional musicians, parents, teachers and young people. Through a partnership agreement, Capital’s home is at Hawthorn and over 80 young people rehearse in the school after hours in high quality ensembles that are free to players at the point of delivery.

The Hawthorn Hornets Brass Band, which includes a starters coaching group, is the foundation for entry into the Capital Minis and Capital Starters, the youngest groups. Under the partnership, instruments are free, provided by school and Capital.  Children commit to regular personal practice at home and attending twice-weekly sessions. In return the children have three hours of professional tuition a week.

Capital’s trustees include professionals trained in teaching, safeguarding and child counselling.  They work with school and families to support individual needs. Capital’s young people mentor the younger players, set stages, keep the music library, influence decisions, and help choose the music.  In every way, they get opportunities to grow their skills and lead.  Hawthorn pupils have the opportunity to become involved and develop their skills and confidence.

The music is high quality.  Capital gives young people the experience of performing the best music on the best stages.  Its regular concert programme venues include the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Llandaff Cathedral, the Temple of Peace, and the National Museum in Cardiff.  The Capital ensembles play all genres of music from grand opera to West End shows, from movie soundtracks to the classics.  Their music is carefully selected to stretch the young players, and performed to the highest standard.  Weekly sessions are coached by musicians who play and teach professionally. They’ve taught in national youth ensembles and schools, played with the Capital City Jazz Orchestra, West End and touring shows, Guards and RAF bands,  top championship brass bands, and the UK’s professional orchestras. They volunteer with Capital because they want to give back.

Very few schools have their own brass band!  Even fewer schools outside private schools or specialist music schools offer the opportunity to have three hours of top quality tuition and regular concert experience in professional venues.  We’re proud to be partners.