Making a big noise at Small Sounds!

Throughout our 2024-5 season, we partnered with Derby Cathedral to support their Small Sounds series.

Derby Cathedral was one of just six locations chosen by the Cathedral Music Trust to pilot the programme, which provides high-quality, free music sessions for under 5s and their families. Each week during term-time, participants are taken on a musical journey with songs and sensory experiences, under the expert guidance of the Music in Schools team. And to coincide with our evening concerts at the cathedral, some of our musicians came along to join in the fun! 

Our aim was to introduce the children to an instrument from a different musical family each term. December saw a visit from our Principal Cello, Deirdre Bencsik (complete with her Santa hat!). She demonstrated some of the different ways you can play the cello (from bowing to plucking the strings), and joined in with lots of festive tunes. 

In March our Principal Horn, Sarah Pennington, got ready for an adventure and joined an expedition to the jungle! She enjoyed playing the role of an elephant, and accompanying renditions of The Lion Sleeps Tonight and other animal-themed songs. 

In May we had a wonderful day at the seaside in the company of our Principal Clarinet, Matt Dunn. Sandcastles were knocked down, imaginary ice creams were enjoyed, and we braved a dip in the (surprisingly cold!) sea through song. A highlight was Matt’s absolutely uncanny impression of a seagull, which made a number of children and families check in case a real bird was flying around the building: who knew a clarinet could make a noise like that?! 

We’ve had so much working with Rhiannon and her team over the past year and we hope to continue our partnership working in the future. Which instruments will be making some Small Sounds next? You’ll have to come along and find out! 

Natalie Edwards, September 2025 

Upcoming Small Sounds events (booking via Derby Cathedral)