THE benefits of musical training for young people should not be overlooked by anyone.

That is the message of Colne Valley Youth Orchestra’s conductor Nigel Hildreth who is celebrating the group’s 40th anniversary this year.

Over the past four decades the Colchester-based orchestra, made up of youngsters aged between 11 and 16, has performed around Europe in in countries such as Sweden, France, Germany, Italy and Estonia.

About 1,000 young musicians have been part of the orchestra since its inauguration in 1981.

At the height of its success the orchestra consisted of about 60 youngsters.

The orchestra is now made up of 15 talented musicians and the training orchestra has ten members - double the amount from this time last year.

Mr Hildreth, 66, who founded the orchestra, said it is more important than ever to remember the benefits of learning musical instruments.

“Music and the arts have been sidelined in recent years by the Government,” he said.

“The funding for music in schools has been patchy, as schools have not really put the money into instrumental work.

“Together with the pressure from exams, less teenagers are taking up music lessons.”

But Mr Hildreth, former head of performing arts at Colchester Sixth Form College, said research shows music can help young people develop transferable skills.

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He said learning a musical instrument and reading music can improve people’s maths and communication skills and creativity.

Research has also shown playing music can reduce stress and anxiety levels.

The orchestra’s ability was put to the test last year as Mr Hildreth and the musicians had to adapt to a new way of performing due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“We had a rehearsal in person last March and then came the first national lockdown,” Mr Hildreth said.

“We were going to perform in June last year, but we could not do that due to Covid restrictions.

“So I got a piece of music from Sweden and I sent out a recording of it in parts to the orchestra.

“The youngsters recorded their part and I learnt how to put a video of the whole recording together for our YouTube channel.

“It was a learning curve, but a fun learning curve at that.”

Mr Hildreth is now in the process of creating another video, this time it will be a rendition of a piece of English folk music.

Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic, the orchestra did manage to rehearse in person last year.

Under strict social distancing rules the group was able to practise face to face in September, October and December between the lockdowns.

“We had to be careful though, and make sure were followed the correct Covid guidelines,” he added.

“It was strange as brass instruments had cloths on them to stop water vapour coming out into the air.

“We took all the precautions, and I had to wear a face shield.

“The whole experience felt a bit like I was conducting underwater.”

However, he said the youngsters enjoyed meeting to perform music.

When asked if the orchestra will be able to play for another 40 years to come, Mr Hildreth said he is certain it will continue.

“We don’t see anything changing at the moment,” he said.

“We have also had many people help out over the years, which has be great.”

At present, Fiona Hill is running the training youth orchestra and Blur and Gorillaz star Damon Albarn is the president of the youth orchestra.

Mr Albarn was one of the orchestra’s members in the early days.

The orchestra’s 40th anniversary is in September and it is hoped a celebration with members and others involved with the group can take place in person.

To mark the milestone, the orchestra has launched a logo competition.

Children or adults are being asked to create a special 40th anniversary logo which will be used on commemorative merchandise this year.

There is also a prize for the winning logo.

Entrants should send their designs via email to contact@cvyo.net.

To find out more, call Mr Hildreth on 07985 936363 or visit cvyo.net.