Education ViVA

Family Open Day
Saturday 29th October 2005
The Winding Wheel, Chesterfield

Children making instruments as part of the Open Day

The second Chesterfield Family Open Day took place on Saturday 29th October at The Winding Wheel in Chesterfield, and was a great success (writes ViVA's Education Manager, Marianne Quintrell).

Around 140 people attended the event. Each child was presented with an explorer's questionnaire to complete and encouraged to visit all the zones around the building. There were several zones including a 'music technology' zone where the participants used microphones and sensors to make interesting sounds using everyday objects. The 'play me a doodle' zone was particularly popular with the younger children who drew a doodle and listened as ViVA musicians interpreted their artwork.

"It was exceptionally entertaining." - Family Member

There was a zone for each family of instruments in the orchestra, and the participants were able to listen to the musicians play, speak to them about their lives and have a go on some instruments. A six year-old boy told me that "plucking the smallest violin in the world" had made his day! One of the most popular and messy zones was the 'instrument making' zone. The children used a variety of interesting materials to create some extremely shiny percussion instruments. Following the making workshops the children took part in a percussion workshop and performed in the final concert using the instruments they had made.

The afternoon concluded with a children's concert from sinfonia ViVA conducted by Richard Laing.

"We enjoyed trying everything out and not worrying about children being noisy during the concert." - Family Member

"It was great being able to hear each instrument of the orchestra individually as well as in an ensemble. The performance was a great experience for young children to play alongside accomplished musicians." - Family Member

"From French Horns and Djing in the main auditorium, creating and making instruments in the Function Room, to string quartets on the first floor foyer and a percussion workout in the (soundproof!) Ballroom – there was inspiration and creativity greeting you from all quarters! The whole event gave everyone a live experience of the breadth of music that is out in the world, while letting them know it is something they can get their hands on and take part in." said Frances Watt, Arts Development Officer for Chesterfield Borough Council and North East Derbyshire District Council.

"Wonderful variety of activities and interesting information at each zone." - Family Member

"Friendly approachable musicians - excellent! As a parent I believe children should be encouraged in the art of music making from an early age. Thank you for being so welcoming." - Parent

The Chesterfield Open Day was made possible through the generous support of: Chesterfield Borough Council, the Derbyshire Community Foundation and North East Derbyshire Music Service.

Images from the project...