The 77-strong orchestra, whose members range in age from 14 to 19, spent an action-packed day with us, where they staged two concert performances for the students, as well as ‘pop ups’ in classrooms, a creative music workshop, and even a brief foray next door to Gaywood Primary.

Robin Norman is Director of Music at our school, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, and helped to organise the event.

“The whole of Year 8, along with GCSE and A-Level Music students, instrumental students, and members of our extra-curricular groups were all involved as audience members watching one of the two performances,” he said.

“In addition to this, 27 members of the school Concert Band took part in a ‘side-by-side’ experience, where they sat alongside members of the NYO and were conducted in a rehearsal by their professional conductor on music from How to Train Your Dragon. A further nine students were involved in a creative music workshop.

“Members of the NYO also roamed, performing in Maths and Business classrooms as ‘pop-up’ performers, and on the playground at Gaywood Primary School to most of their school.

“Finally they roamed the school fields at break time, and gave some of our students the opportunity to try an instrument. This was truly a ‘music takeover’ day, where everyone in the school experienced something.”

The day was supported by our front office and admin staff, along with the Music Prefect Team students, who acted as chaperones, guides, and runners.

Mr Norman continued: “Everything that took place was a tremendous experience for those involved. But the two main performances, where the full orchestra performed a wide range of classical and film music, had those present absolutely spellbound.

“The facial expressions and wonder on many of the students were amazing, especially when the harp came in. Many of our students will never have heard a full orchestra, and, indeed, would not have seen a harp. I think they were all surprised by the amazing sounds that were created.”

Springwood was the first school to be visited by the Orchestra this year on its annual tour, and one of just four in Norfolk and Suffolk to be chosen for the honour.

Mr Norman added: “They have not been to Springwood before. However, they were incredibly complimentary about the atmosphere and ethos of what we do, and, hopefully, they will return again in the future.

“This was an event that many of the students will not just remember for a few hours or days, but rather something they will still speak about in months and years – something they will remember from their days at Springwood.

“In the words of a student in Year 9, ‘The best day ever! Can we do this every year, please?’”