Harrison Catering and the English Schools Orchestra

Harrison Catering have been supporting the English Schools Orchestra for many years, and their recent course and concert at Southwark Cathedral was a roaring success. We talk to Charley Nixson, a member of the ESO and a student at Bishop Ramsey CE School in Hillingdon – which Harrison provides catering for – about her experiences of the ESO. Charley explained:

“When people asked me what I was doing with my half term they weren’t surprised that I wasn’t intending to just relax – I’m the kind of person who likes to be busy – but I think they were pretty shocked at the schedule I had ahead of me at the week-long English Schools Orchestra (ESO) course. By contrast, I was sure I couldn’t spend my week any better way; and I was right.

“The combination of a fantastic repertoire, a truly amazing concert venue, both full and sectional rehearsals – along with meeting new people, eating plenty of good food and experiencing brilliant tuition – meant that it was indeed a wonderful week.

“The first morning was spent sussing out the music before the real hard work started, with the first sectional of the week. I play the clarinet, and the woodwind section this year was one of best I’ve experienced – so although the six-and-a-half hour daily schedule may sound gruelling, the hard work was absolutely worth it, especially when we got to Southwark Cathedral on Saturday for the concert. I was a bit nervous before the performance but once we got started it was exhilarating: all the hard work came together and I think the audience really enjoyed it.

“The ESO brings together so many different people who all have one thing in common – music. The orchestra was the biggest it has ever been this year with a 75% return of performers from last year, meaning we had already developed something of an understanding which I’m sure contributed to the fun of the week and quality of our performance.

“Before I was involved with the ESO I had Orchestra experience from Harrow Young Musicians and at school but nothing on the scale of the ESO, where everyone plays to such a high standard.  Being a part of the ESO for two consecutive years has really built my confidence as a musician and developed my orchestral skills hugely.

“Not only has being a member of the ESO developed my musical confidence but also my confidence in meeting and getting to know new people. The ESO is an amazing opportunity for musicians from all over the country and from a wide range of different backgrounds to gain orchestra experience, learn a varied repertoire, receive focused tuition in sectionals, perform alongside sensational choirs such as the London Oratory School Schola, get support from music students, come together and make friends and mostly, to spend a week doing something they love.

“Without the ESO I would certainly not be the musician I am now. I would not have had the opportunity to perform the repertoire I have, play in the venues I have, or meet the people I have met. Perhaps the most exciting aspect is the range of different places and backgrounds participants come from, and the vast array of styles and experiences they bring to the ESO. As with most enjoyable things there is cost involved, primarily in the form of residential costs and making sure you have the right clothing for the performance (all the key tutors are actually unpaid volunteers) and but thanks to the supporters of the ESO it doesn’t appear to be a barrier to participation. Support from the sponsors of the ESO, principally Harrison Catering and PRS for Music, allows anyone to get involved regardless of expense, allowing students to just immerse themselves in the music – and their friends and parents to relax and enjoy the concert!”

Geoffrey Harrison, MD of Harrison Catering, attended the concert at Southwark Cathedral and was more impressed than ever.

“Harrison have been supporting the ESO for as long as we’ve been in business – over 15 years now. We take a huge amount of pleasure in supporting them and helping to nurture the exceptional talent that exists in our country’s young musicians. This year’s concert at Southwark Cathedral was truly a joy, and we look forward to many years of collaboration to come.”

Our thanks to Charley Nixson for her report, and our very best wishes for the future. Charley, we’re sure you’re a name to look out for!

Posted by Giles Cooper