Family music & drama workshops

Part of Barbican OpenFest

Concrete Winds (11am)
Introducing classical music repertoire through storytelling, transforming the way we listen. This workshop is led by acclaimed wind quintet Concrete Winds, made up of outstanding Guildhall School musicians who have been inspired by their work with Decoda, a renowned New York-based chamber ensemble.
Ages 5+

Kodály and Rhythmics music workshops (11am–1pm, 2pm–4pm)
All the family can join this exciting and energetic workshop delivered by music education specialists from the Junior Guildhall Kindergarten programme. Through the joy of singing and movement using the Kodály and Dalcroze methods you will experience an introduction to the fundamentals of musicianship such as pulse, rhythm and pitch through the body and with the voice. No previous music experience necessary. Please come prepared to work in bare feet.
Ages 3+

Drama workshops (12pm–4pm)
Teachers and alumni from the Guildhall School’s Acting department take you on a fun journey of discovery. A practical workshop open to all – no experience necessary.
Ages 5+

Ad-Lib: Improvisation Performance & Workshop (1pm)
Postgraduate musicians from the Guildhall School will show just how much fun improvisation can be, using ideas, favourite tunes and stories from audience members to create completely new music in the moment. Along the way we’ll invite you into our ‘secret music laboratory’, sharing different stages of our creative process and asking for your help. Come prepared with ideas to inspire us and questions to challenge us. Led by flautist Lindsey Fillingham.
Ages 5+

PaperCare (1pm)
Do you remember how it felt like to be cared for by your favourite teacher at school? PaperCare is a performance installation that invites you to revisit sounds, images, textures, and the playfulness of school life. Christina Vasileiou, postgraduate researcher at Guildhall School, will be using considerable amounts of paper to re-create rituals and memories of giving care as a teacher. In a gentle and atmospheric environment, follow and, perhaps, support Christina’s attempts to create paper nests as visual representations of care, and reflect on your experiences of school care, what it means and how it feels.
Ages 5+

All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.