A Celebration of Music and Community

Music took centre stage on Saturday as the ‘Celebrating the Importance of Music Event’ got underway.

The event was held to mark the launch of the Truro School Music Project, a transformative initiative to develop a new, multi-million-pound music centre and refurbished, multi-purpose Assembly Hall. This project also paves the way for improved facilities to support pupil wellbeing.

As guests were seated in the Hall, Head of Truro School, Mr Andy Johnson welcomed pupils, alumni, staff, parents and guests from all over Cornwall and the United Kingdom.

Mr Johnson spoke first of the importance of education and, in line with the Methodist foundation of Truro School, the importance of doing good with our education.

He said, “This evening celebrates the importance of music and also launches the Truro School Music Project; not just for Truro School, but for the wider communities of Truro and Cornwall. It is a project that we can all be proud to be a part of.”

Richard Osmond, Director of Music at Truro School then took to the helm and welcomed a plethora of talented musicians from Truro School and the wider Cornish community.

Starting the evening was a tremendous performance from CMST SuperStrings of ‘To Tame the Raging Rapid’ by Brian Balmages. The SuperStrings ensemble features Cornwall Music Service Trust (CMST) students from all over Cornwall.

CMST is a charity providing music teaching, support and therapy to around 10,000 children across Cornwall. Now in its 10th Year, the charity has a long-standing partnership with Truro School and this Music Project marks an important milestone in solidifying the partnership and strengthening and further supporting the vital work CMST does within Cornish music education.

The SuperStrings were followed by a rich array of performances that showcased the diversity and talent that Truro School nurtures in our pupil body.

Archie and Thomas, both of whom are Truro Cathedral Boy Choristers, treated the audience to two stunning solos followed by a moving duet of ‘Evening Prayer’ (Hansel and Gretel) by Engelbert Humperdinck. The chorister partnership with Truro Cathedral is another example of Truro School’s wide-reaching commitment to music within Truro and Cornwall.

The audience was then treated to a rousing performance by the Truro School Jazz Orchestra of ‘Orange Colored Sky’ by Delugg and Stein. The atmosphere in the room was kept buoyant with the Truro School 4th Year Band’s rendition of ‘Don’t Stop’ by Fleetwood Mac.

Two of the School’s youngest performers, Jensen (Year 6) and Alyssia (Year 5) then showcased their amazing piano skills with solos of Friedrich Kuhlau’s ‘Allegro’ and Gillock’s ‘Holiday in Paris’.

The evening then moved to an overview of the ambitious plans for the Music Project. Scheduled for completion at the start of 2026, the Project will create a hub for musical education and aspiration in Cornwall, offering state-of-the-art facilities for pupils, the Truro community and beyond.

Mr Johnson spoke of the significance of this project and the importance of music. “Music is a universal language and a connector of people across cultural, social, economic, political and geographical divides. In a world where music access and provision are increasingly shrinking, especially in schools, our project is a force for connection, opportunity and aspiration.

Music is also a driver of wellbeing and the Truro School Music Project has that intent too, paving the way for enhanced wellbeing provision.”

Several guest speakers, including Gareth Churcher, Head of CMST, former head boy Ollie Jones (CO23) and Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall spoke further on this matter. The necessity for and value of this project was clear to all present.

Jerry Tate, Founding Director of Tate and Co. (the architectural firm behind the project), showcased a phenomenal CGI walk-through of the plans for the new building, complemented by a bespoke musical score by Ollie Jones.

Encompassing a music centre complete with high-spec rehearsal, teaching, practice and performance spaces, the new building will look to the future not only in terms of the school and wider community but in terms of wellbeing and sustainability too.

The plans will also include refurbishments to the existing Assembly Hall to create a dynamic space for examinations, celebrations, performances and community events.

More information on the full details of the project, and a chance to view the plans is available at https://www.truroschool.com/community/truro-school-project/

The evening drew to a close with more stunning performances from The Truro School Chamber Choir, who performed “Beati quorum via’ by Charles Villiers Stanford and a preview from the forthcoming Truro School musical, Crossroads, written and composed by 3rd Year Pupil Scarlett Crowdy.

The evening finished with a glorious Beatles medley featuring all of the evening’s performers, appearing on stage as the Combined Cornwall Youth Musicians.

We would like to thank all of the attendees and everyone who was involved in putting such a poignant and memorable evening together, with particular thanks to the talented musicians.

There was a palpable sense of pride and excitement surrounding the project and we look forward to sharing more on this journey as it progresses.