Freda Gardham enjoys music-making as part of the Florestan Festival

This is the third year that a group of children from Freda Gardham have been able to share in the music-making that is the Florestan Festival.

On Monday, June 12th, the children enjoyed a music workshop with professional musician and cellist, Sam Glazer. They played musical games before improvising a piece of music for which they used a selection of school instruments plus those they are currently studying with East Sussex County Music School.

On Friday, June 16th, they again met Sam and enjoyed playing playing some more of his unusual games. They were then invited to attend the final rehearsal for the Florestan Festival's Friday night concert and were even allowed to take photographs on the event.

The programme, which consisted of music by Mendelssohn and Mozart, sounded amazing, echoing around the ancient walls of Saint Mary's Church. Everyone so enjoyed the event that we're hoping to repeat the experience next year.

Musical improvisation

Musical improvisation using school instruments

More musical games

Musical games in the grounds of St. Mary's Church

The sound of Mendelssohn & Mozart
St. Mary's Church

Sam Glazer and children
St. Mary's Church