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While the need for cooperation to solve communal problems is increasingly at odds with the atomisation of society, one beacon of hope is the growing number of community music projects. From projects such as the New Note Orchestra and the Bristol Recovery Orchestra to the growth of community choirs, people across the country are getting[…]

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On 7th July, The New Note Orchestra debuted their new show “A Green Recovery” as a free live streamed broadcast for  The Thursday Night Show. Based on music composed and rehearsed over the past two years, the performance includes spoken word sections that explore the parallels between the struggles of addiction and the ecological emergency.[…]

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An acoustic guitar laying in a field

Can music help the environment? And what are the similarities between addiction and the climate crisis? We looked at the history of music and the biosphere and also spoke to Dr Helen M Prior, who is researching this subject. Given the vast scientific data now available, it’s difficult to deny that the world is facing[…]

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This time last year, the New Note Orchestra were recording their first album. “Kind Rebellion” came out in December of 2021 and has been well received. But where did the concept of the modern album come from? And is it still relevant?  The first instance of recorded audio goes all the way back to 1857,[…]

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Listening to music can trigger emotions and memories, while playing music uses the brain’s motor system, creativity centres and relies on long, medium and long-term memory. Musical ability  has been associated with both genius and madness. With such a strong connection to what goes on in our heads, it is no wonder that music and[…]

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The global Covid 19 pandemic was difficult on many fronts, and the closing down of public spaces meant concerts became impossible. Now performers are returning, and this April, the New Note Orchestra went to the Brighton Dome to watch The London Philharmonic Orchestra and experience the power of live music. Recorded music was only invented[…]

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On Tuesday 5th April, the New Note Orchestra rehearsals took a more competitive edge, as we put aside our normal repertoire and played some football songs. But there was no Vindaloo or Three Lions, this was done New Note style, by composing a brand new piece from scratch with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.   Kick[…]

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Three people playing music and enjoying it

“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.”  – Confucius, philosopher. “All we need is music sweet music” – Dancing in the Street, Martha and the Vandellas. Since the earliest cultures began to evolve, music and song have been linked to ritual and worship —  as well as celebration and euphoria. […]

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“When you hear somebody with balls, that’s me.” — Carol Kaye of The Wrecking Crew, bass player and guitarist on more than 10,000 records. “Can’t no man play like me.” — Sister Rosetta Tharpe The story of popular music has usually been one of male pioneers with a few token women. But in recent years,[…]

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“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” — Bishop Desmond Tutu,  theologian, human rights activist, 1931–2021 It could be a random act, such as buying a stranger a coffee or sending a box of cakes to the nurses at your local[…]

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If you’ve watched our music video The Tree, you’ll have heard spoken word artist Craig Neesam using some very powerful lyrics over the music to recount chapters of his life story; lyrics such as these: ADHD, OCD, PTSD Autism spectrum as far as the eye can see These do not define me and assign me[…]

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