“Ensemble playing is an important skill. It teaches you how to blend your sound with others and know when to stand out. Playing with other people helps develop your ears, when to listen to cues and how to know you’ve achieved the desired tone you want from a piece. I’ve played in ensembles like Sinfonia, Intermediate Strings, school ensembles and groups alike, which have helped me improve my violin and viola playing over the years. Participating in groups like these can feel quite scary but quite often, you’ll find someone who you get along with so much, as if you’ve known them for years. However, due to the pandemic plateauing many musicians’ chances to perform to live audiences, I think a safe way to get performances up and running is very well needed.”

— Zara, violinist in Rugby