University News Last updated 14 January
The Primary Winds Programme launched at Junior RBC in September 2025, welcoming 19 young people aged from 7-11 years who attend classes on Saturdays to learn a woodwind instrument.
The first Primary Winds cohort performed to parents and other family members prior to the Christmas break. This informal event was a celebration of how far the children had come in three months, showcasing the musical achievements and developing confidence of RBC’s youngest wind players.
The event included large woodwind ensemble items, smaller ensemble pieces, solos and song items.
Associate Head of Junior RBC and Leader of the Primary Winds Programme Dr Luan Shaw said: “I feel proud to have launched this programme and am thankful to all who have supported me in doing so. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the young musicians and the PWP tutor team across the Autumn term 2025.
“The children are a delightful bunch who get on well together and work hard every week whilst having a lot of fun! We had a large and supportive audience at the sharing event, and every young musician played and sang with enthusiasm throughout. It was a real joy to see the pride in the children’s faces after their performances!”
You can watch the session on YouTube.
Thanks to generous charitable donations, there is a stock of instruments to loan to beginner pupils free of charge. There are also bursaries available to support tuition fees, helping families who can’t prioritise music but want their children to have a musical education.
The team continues to fundraise and are always looking for new donors. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in supporting the Primary Winds Programme with a good quality instrument that goes unplayed or a financial gift, please contact Head of Development Terry Gibson at conservatoire@bcu.ac.uk.
Applications for the Primary Winds Programme are now open for September 2026 entry for children who will then be in primary school Years 3-6. Further details can be found by visiting the Primary Winds page.