News Story
This September, we are celebrating one year since the opening of the Shireland CBSO Academy! It’s been an incredible first year of music making and learning, packed with visits from remarkable musicians and enlightening careers days hosted by professionals within the industry.
Students have participated in individual music lessons, group workshops and performed in a wide array of concerts throughout the year.
We are hugely excited to welcome a new cohort of year 7s and sixth form students in the upcoming academic year and look forward to supporting them in their academic journeys.
Highlights of year one
Guest Artist Inspiration Visits
Throughout the year, students enjoyed Guest Artist Inspiration Visits from amazing musicians, including Jess Gillam, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, and several CBSO musicians!
The sessions created an opportunity for students to ask questions and learn more about the music industry and participate in workshops specific to their own instruments.
Our final inspiration visit was for percussion pupils and included a BBC Radio 3 journalist visiting the school.
"It was really inspiring - the sound he made and the speed his fingers moved was incredible - it made me want to practice more!"
Year 7 pupil about Sheku Kanneh-Mason
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Year 7 Careers Day
In March, Shireland hosted a Year 7 Careers Day where CBSO staff delivered talks and workshops throughout the day to all Year 7 classes.
Students gained further insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of the CBSO and the wide array of careers available in the arts.
KS3 Schools Concert
In February we welcomed Year 7s to Symphony Hall to watch a Schools’ Concert! It was the first time visiting a concert hall for some, and pupils left feeling inspired.
"It was really good, and I especially enjoyed being able to see all of the players."
Kaiden, pupil
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"Absolutely fantastic time - our pupils were engaged, inspired, and - at times - mesmerised by the performance. The joy of seeing them engage with and enjoy these kinds of music, many for the first time, was lovely."
Dave Harris, Director of Music
Study with us!
Applications for year 7 entry in September 2025 are open until 31 October 2024 and should be made through your local authority.
If your child is already exceptionally talented in music, they may be able to gain a place through the Academy’s music aptitude programme. A separate application form must be completed via the Academy’s website in addition to the local authority form. The deadline for music aptitude applications is October 2024 (to be confirmed).
Find out more on Shireland CBSO Academy’s website.
