A Week of Musical Discovery: MOMH’s First Youth Education Project
We were delighted to welcome GCSE pupils from La Sainte School in Camden to our offices in Haddenham for an inspiring week of exploration, research, and performance. This inaugural youth education project provided students with a unique opportunity to engage directly with musical history, uncover fascinating stories, and develop their own presentations on significant figures and objects from our collection.
Throughout the week, these young historians and musicians demonstrated a remarkable enthusiasm for discovery, delving into rare artefacts, sorting through archival material, and expanding their understanding of musical heritage. Their journey culminated in a special showcase at Haddenham Library, where they presented their research to an appreciative audience and performed a short concert to mark the occasion.
A Journey Through the Archives
The week began with an introduction to MOMH’s vast collection of musical history, with students immersing themselves in the John Woolf Park Lane Group and the Harrison Sisters collections. They were given the opportunity to handle and sort historical materials, gaining hands-on experience in archiving and preservation. This practical engagement brought history to life, allowing them to understand the importance of curating and safeguarding musical heritage for future generations.
Researching the Digitorium & The Foundations of an Orchestra
A part of the week was dedicated to researching the Digitorium, a unique finger-strengthening device for pianists. The pupils explored its origins, its role in technical development for musicians, and how similar devices have influenced pianistic training over the years. To deepen their understanding, they had the invaluable opportunity to consult with pianist Stephen Marquiss, who provided firsthand insights into the pros and cons of using the Digitorium. His perspective offered a practical dimension to their research, allowing them to consider both the benefits and potential limitations of such tools in a pianist’s practice routine. Their studies not only deepened their appreciation for musicianship but also connected them to the innovative thinking behind instrumental technique.
Adding another dimension to their learning, the students had the privilege of listening to Simon Over from Southbank Sinfonia, who shared fascinating insights into the founding of an orchestra. His talk offered a behind-the-scenes look at how ensembles are formed, the challenges and rewards of orchestral collaboration, and the vital role of conductors and musicians in bringing music to life. It was an eye-opening session that gave the pupils a greater understanding of the professional music world.
A Grand Finale at Haddenham Library
After a week of research and discovery, the pupils showcased their knowledge in a special presentation event at Haddenham Library. Four students—Lynn, Angelina, Vina, and Vicky—each delivered an engaging and insightful talk, focusing on a key figure or object from MOMH’s collection.
🎤 Jenny Lind – The ‘Swedish Nightingale’
This talk explored the life and legacy of Jenny Lind, one of the most celebrated sopranos of the 19th century. They shared captivating stories of Lind’s extraordinary career, from her early success in Sweden to her international fame, particularly in Britain and the United States. They highlighted how Lind’s voice and philanthropic efforts left a lasting impact on the world of opera and beyond.
🎼 The Digitorium – A Pianist’s Secret Weapon
Her the group took a deep dive into the Digitorium, explaining how this ingenious finger-strengthening device has been used by pianists to refine their technique. They provided an analysis of how such tools have helped musicians develop dexterity, control, and endurance but also the downsides of using such a device.
📜 Mary Remnant – A Guardian of Musical History
Here they paid tribute to Mary Remnant, a renowned music historian and researcher. They explored Remnant’s dedication to preserving and documenting historical musical instruments and manuscripts, showcasing how her work has enriched our understanding of early music traditions. ape the way we interpret and appreciate musical heritage today.
🎻 Samuel Coleridge-Taylor – A Composer Ahead of His Time
This presentation focused on Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a pioneering composer of African descent whose music blended European classical traditions with influences from Black culture. They explored his most famous work, Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast, and his contributions to the recognition of Black musicians and composers The talk highlighted Coleridge-Taylor’s groundbreaking achievements and the challenges he faced in his career.
A Celebration of Talent
As a fitting conclusion to their week of learning and discovery, the students treated the audience to a short concert, demonstrating not only their academic research skills but also their musical talent. Their performances were met with warm applause, a testament to their dedication and hard work throughout the week.
The project has been an overwhelming success, and we are immensely proud of Lynn, Angelina, Vina, and Vicky, whose commitment and enthusiasm made this initiative so special. A huge thank you to the pupils, their teachers, and everyone involved in making this week such a rewarding experience.
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning of MOMH’s youth education initiatives. We are excited to continue working with schools and young musicians to inspire the next generation through hands-on engagement with musical history.