A pioneering orchestra for disabled musicians

A unique Bristol-based orchestra, which works with young disabled people, is urging more musicians to get involved.

The South-West Open Youth Orchestra is the first of its kind in the UK, encouraging young disabled musicians to play a range of musical instruments – even creating their own instruments for people who can’t play conventional ones.

Barry Farrimond, from OpenUp Music, has developed many of the instruments used by the orchestra, including a bespoke custom made digital musical instrument called Clarion that can be controlled simply by the movement of a musician’s eyes.

Barry believes that for too long disabled people have not been encouraged to show and develop their musical potential and he wants anyone with an interest, and more importantly a passion, to get involved no matter what their level of disability.

“Our team works with each musician to find or create a musical instrument that is right for them. These instruments often use sophisticated infrared cameras to convert facial movements, including minute movements of the head or eyes, into expressive musical notes.”

Musician Ben Pollard plays one such unique instrument: “I play a thing called the “Linnstrument” which is pretty groundbreaking. It works as a touchpad and a keyboard all-in-one.

“When I first used it, I had to learn all the tips and tricks that went into mastering It, but now I feel very confident using it – so I think learning about new things including the new compositions we’d been learning (which I’d never heard of in my life) is probably the part I enjoy most.”

According to Barry the orchestra is about “showing that anyone with the drive and determination to succeed in music can do so if given the right support and training – we are really hoping to encourage more young disabled musicians to join”.

Bradley Warwick has Cerebral Palsy and has just started playing in the orchestra using a specially adapted musical instrument: “Being part of an orchestra is new to me. I love it, and feel a kind of freedom and belonging.

“Disability should never be a barrier to enjoying music and getting involved.” 

The orchestra has been making waves across the country with performances at Bristol Cathedral, the Palace of Westminster and the musicians are now set to take part in BBC’s Music Day with a performance in Colston Hall as part of Bristol’s Fast Forward Music Festival.

It’s proof that playing at the highest level is achievable for anyone says one former professional musician.Clarence Adoo was one of the UK’s top trumpeters and played alongside artists such as Courtney Pine, before a car crash left him paralysed from the neck down.

Now a member of the British Paraorchestra, Clarence has seen first hand the impact that the work of OpenUp Music can have. “This is something amazing. If you have the passion and desire to be a performer in music, get in touch with the South-West Open Youth Orchestra and they will sort out the rest.”

Anyone interested in auditioning for the Orchestra can get more information at www.openupmusic.org/swoyo email OpenUp Music direct on info@openupmusic.org or phone them on 0117 914 0917.

Read more: How Bristol is leading the way in disability sports

Photo credit: Paul Blakemore