Family Events / Family Orchestras

Family Orchestras

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BBC Proms Family Orchestra was launched in 2006, when five people turned up at a primary school in Reading for the first rehearsal. More recent Proms Family Orchestras have become bigger than your average symphony orchestra, featuring a wide range of music, and an even wider range of ages!

The idea is to give family members - whether mums, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles or grandparents - the chance to play music together. Everyone is welcome, from keen amateurs to those who've never played in an orchestra before - and it's ideal for those who haven't picked up their instrument in years!

Whatever instrument you play, at whatever level, you can come and join in the fun.

'It was the first time my son had played with more than one other person and he was over the moon. The first question he asked on the way out was "Can we do that again?" Many thanks to the "real" musicians, who were great, both with the kids and the adults.' Proms Family Orchestra member 2007

All Family Orchestra events take place at the Royal College of Music.

Sunday 20 July, 10.00am-12.00pm - before Prom 4
Proms Folk Family Chorus
and Proms Folk Family Orchestra
If you love singing and you'd enjoy learning some new folk songs, sign up for the Proms Folk Family Chorus - or perhaps the Proms Folk Family Orchestra might be more your kind of thing. See Folk Day for more details.

Sunday 27 July, 2.00pm-4.00pm - after Prom 13
Proms Family Orchestra
Join the Proms team and professional musicians in a session inspired by the Doctor Who Prom and its themes of time and space.

Saturday 9 August, 2.00pm-4.00pm - before Prom 31
Proms Family Orchestra
Jazz infuses tonight's concert programme. Join this Family Orchestra and have a go at the rhythms and melodies that inspired Gershwin, Stravinsky and Gwilym Simcock.

Monday 25 August, 11.30am-4.20pm - before Prom 53
Proms Family Orchestra
A special extended Family Orchestra event. Join us to perform a new piece specially commissioned from Errollyn Wallen. This Family Orchestra day will begin with a rehearsal at the Royal College of Music before moving over to the Royal Albert Hall for a performance of the world premiere of the piece with Errollyn and her brother, trumpet player Byron Wallen, on the stage at 4.00pm. Bring your friends and family to hear your Royal Albert Hall debut!

Everyone is welcome to attend the concert at 4.00pm at the Royal Albert Hall - just arrive at Door 1 before 4pm and you will be shown into the arena.

Saturday 30 August, 2.00pm-4.00pm
Proms Family Orchestra
Join us for the final Proms Family Orchestra of the season and explore the virtuosic world of the piano. Proms Family Orchestra events are aimed at children aged 5-plus and their families.

Proms Family Orchestra events are free to all, but places must be reserved in advance.

All our Family Orchestra sessions are now full up, but you can still email us at promslearning@bbc.co.uk to be put on a waiting list.