The Great Little Orchestra Project: Short Film Release and Award Shortlist
- MEHEM
- Jan 7
- 2 min read
We are delighted to announce that our fabulous Great Little Orchestra Project (GLOP) has been nominated for a 2025 Music and Drama Education Award, in the category of 'Rocksteady Award for Progressive and Inclusive Music Education'. The announcement coincides with the release of a new film showcasing the project.
Developed by MEHEM UpRising360 with funding from Arts Council England. The Great Little Orchestra Project is a workforce development initiative that supports young orchestral musicians to run music workshops with pupils in special education settings.
The project took place in both 2024 and 2025, with the film documenting the 2025 edition. Twelve aspiring orchestral players from across the East Midlands gathered in Nottingham for two days of training followed by two days of workshop delivery and performances at Oakfield specialist school.
I found the whole project so eye-opening and so so much fun. [Oakfield] was such a lovely environment and the happiness there was infectious. GLOP has allowed me the experiences and learning to decide that teaching music in SEND schools is definitely something I want to do in the future
Lilian, participant
Because our students have spent time with the pupils before the performance element, they have really seen how the students are able to respond and react , how they learn best, how they focus best… you could see the learning that the GLOP participants had done
Patricia Lewis, Oakfield School Headteacher
Since the film was made, the 12 participants have been volunteering back in their home hubs of NMPAT, Nottingham, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire, supporting pupils with additional learning needs in ensembles and in school-based projects.
Addressing a skills gap in music hubs
Ultimately, the programme aims to inspire and equip emerging musicians to work in inclusive settings. This will, in turn, help to address the current nationwide lack of specialist practitioners ready to work in inclusive settings.
We are really proud of this project and the impact it has had on the individuals and hubs involved, and are chuffed that the award judges share our belief in it. Keep your fingers crossed for us at the awards ceremony on 12th February!
See more about inclusive ensembles
Inclusive ensembles bring young people together to make music in ways that reflect their abilities, interests, and creativity. Find out more about our work.
