PUPILS at a Teignbridge primary school were able to enjoy a classical education of a musical kind last week.

Following on from The Treske String Quartet’s successful concert at The Courtenay Centre as part of the current NADSA Concerts season, they visited Canada Hill Primary School the next morning and gave a wonderful and inspirational workshop to the Year Two and Year Six children, before heading back to Manchester.

‘The young quartet related incredibly well to the children and covered many aspects of the Music National Curriculum,’ said Ineke Henderson-Leer the school’s Music Subject Lead

‘The talented musicians began by demonstrating the highest and lowest notes that their instruments can play and then informed us that each of their instruments are made from the same two trees: a Spruce tree from Norway and a European Maple tree.’

The Quartet played music that was over 300 years old composed by Purcell and this was followed by more music by the contemporary American composer Andrew Norman, composed 10 years ago.

‘The children were asked to think of words to describe the different movements form Norman’ s Peculiar Strokes and it was wonderful to hear their ideas,’ continued Ineke.

‘Some of the children also had a go at conducting the Quartet, focusing on tempo and dynamics. This proved to be great fun.

‘Finally, the Treske String Quartet played one piece of music in different ways, linking with the main character’s emotions from the film Inside and Out, focusing on joy, sadness, fear and anger. This was very cleverly done and the children gained a very good understanding of how the way a piece of music is played, can change how you feel.’

This workshop at the school was very kindly funded by the children’s parents.