Case studies

Lin Larmer, a trustee of North Downs Community Orchestra, tells us how by following a Making Music webinar, the orchestra sold more than double their usual number of tickets.

Background

North Downs Community Orchestra (NDCO) was established in 2016 as an adult non-auditioned community orchestra where no one is ever turned away as long as they have their own instrument, can sight read, and fit in with the rest of the orchestra. Our other name is the Fun Orchestra, as that is our main aim!

Peterborough Sings! has designed and evolved an effective model for recruiting new people into singing, with their project-based recruitment model delivering impressive results. This case study lays out how music groups can use the model to achieve their own recruitment goals.

Peter Morris, Music Director of Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra and former Chair of Wolverhampton City Music Education Hub, tells us about the symphony orchestra working together with the city's youth orchestra, via the music hub.

Background

Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is a thriving group now celebrating its 50th anniversary. We have around 70 regular players and have always had a strong relationship with the city’s music service through the number of instrumental teachers who have played with the orchestra.

Heather Marsh, Chair of Wetherby Choral Society, describes how her group worked with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution for their mutual benefit and that of the wider community. 

Sophie Anderson, Publicity Officer of Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) tells us how the orchestra has managed to successfully diversify its repertoire.

Background

Formed in 1945, the SPO is Sheffield’s oldest leisure-time orchestra, with over 80 members from across the Sheffield city region and beyond. We endeavour to present high-quality, well-attended concerts that engage regular concert-goers, and actively seek to increase exposure to classical music by working with the local community.

In this recording of our webinar (original event 25 September 2023), Making Music launched INCLUDE, our 18-month inclusion programme where we will work with four member groups to explore what leisure-time music groups can do to include more people, from a more diverse demographic, in their regular activities.

Joanna Burdett, chair of Llysfaen Singers, tells us how, by making small changes over time, the choir have managed to successfully grow their membership.

Dr Alice Carter, treasurer of Henley Symphony Orchestra, explains how claiming Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) has bridged the income gap in difficult financial times

Why did your group decide to claim OTR?

The financial benefit is substantial. This has kept us afloat through some very challenging times. We lost a major sponsor a few years ago and OTR has kept us going!

Andrea Lee, chair of Barnes Concert Band, tells us how connecting with other music groups and organisations within their local community has led to a year of incredible collaborations and exciting performances. They share valuable lessons gained along the way for other groups seeking to deepen their community ties.  

How Hampshire Harmony, previously knows as the Basingstoke Ladies Choir, transformed their communication and strengthened their community — Hazel Green shares their experience. 

How did you manage the group before?

Our group had a very limited website, which made members feel a little distant from the choir; it wasn’t easy to use or edit and felt uninspiring, containing only three back-end sections.