Schools
Energy
Supported by East Riding LCEP and a network of regional partners across Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Cumbria, Norfolk, North Tyneside, Northamptonshire, and beyond, the project has powerfully demonstrated how creativity can include, engage, and inspire entire communities.
Teachers and audiences alike praised Energy for its ability to communicate complex ideas through the universal language of music. Feedback highlighted significant positive outcomes.
96%
reported a positive experience
85%
felt welcome and included
92%
felt proud of what they had created
Project Overview
“Music is the world’s language… Delivered the message better than the news or media.” – Audience Member
Sinfonia Viva has a proud tradition of blending STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths) learning with the arts to inspire and educate young people. The ENERGY project exemplifies this approach by telling the compelling story of energy—from the invention of electricity and our historic dependence on fossil fuels to the current environmental challenges and the drive toward sustainable solutions.
Designed specifically for Key Stage 2 students, ENERGY uses age-appropriate materials to spark curiosity and reflection about energy consumption and its broader environmental impact. Originally developed in collaboration with Derby schools, Rolls-Royce plc, and the Derbyshire Music Hub, the project was built to leave a legacy, encouraging sustained engagement with music, science, and ecological themes across a range of educational contexts.
Over the past year, ENERGY has successfully expanded to East Riding, Nottingham, and Suffolk, engaging new communities and deepening its impact. The project’s innovative fusion of music and science offers multiple entry points for learning, appealing to a wide range of student interests. Key components include:
- Newly commissioned songs tailored to the project’s themes
- Interactive workshops led by a young vocal leader
- Whole-class participation to promote collaboration, creativity, and confidence
- Film capture to extend access and engagement beyond in-person events
Through its creative, cross-disciplinary approach, ENERGY empowers young learners to think critically about their world, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability while building lasting connections between science and the arts.
Purpose and Aims
The project set out to engage young people aged 8–19 in a creative music experience designed to deepen understanding and awareness of energy and environmental issues, with key objectives including:
- Developing a comprehensive work pack for primary school teachers with inspiring energy-themed activities linked to the STEM and music curricula.
- Sharing learning materials and resources for four commissioned ENERGY songs, performed by all participants, including those involved in the Primary School Learning Project.
- Delivering a creative songwriting project supported by Sinfonia Viva musicians.
- Strengthening teamwork and group creativity through music writing sessions.
- Providing professional development for teachers via CPD sessions
- Offering young people the chance to perform on a professional concert platform alongside Sinfonia Viva
Impact
Delivered in Derby, East Riding, Nottinghamshire, and Suffolk, ENERGY has engaged young people in meaningful artistic and scientific exploration, empowering participants to creatively respond to climate change.
1276
young participants
30
schools/settings involved
79
creative workshops delivered
Energy in four locations
Derby
The Derby leg of our ENERGY project culminated in two uplifting concerts at Derby Theatre on 6 February 2024, showcasing the creativity of over 500 young people. Pupils from Firs and Becket Primary Schools, The Bemrose School, and Derby College collaborated with composer James Redwood, music leader Jessie Grimes and Sinfonia Viva musicians Maddy Aldis-Evans (oboe) and Dave Ayre (double bass) to create original songs exploring the story of energy—from early windmills to today’s shift toward renewables. Supported by Derby Museums’ Learning Team, Science Lead Brogen Murphy, and engineers from Rolls-Royce plc, the project brought science and climate topics vividly to life through music. The final performances, which also included schools from across the region, reflected the power of creative learning and highlighted young people’s passion and understanding of climate change.
East Riding
In East Riding, our ENERGY project came to life through two joyful concerts at Bridlington Spa on 24 October 2024, where pupils from across the region shared their original songs exploring everything from global warming and oil pollution to wind power, voltage and current. Developed in collaboration with composer James Redwood and Sinfonia Viva musicians Matt Dunn (clarinet) and Deirdre Bencsik (cello), the creative work was supported by Primary Science Lead Melanie Boyeson and Dogger Bank Wind Farm, blending science and music in an engaging and accessible way. As the final chapter of the Classically Yours programme in the region, the project formed part of East Riding LCEP’s Creativity Week and included a filmed performance that was viewed by 7549 pupils across the UK during Spring 2025. The impact was wide-reaching: students reported increased pride, confidence, and understanding of energy issues, while teachers praised the project for inspiring cross-curricular learning. With 95% of the audience new to the programme and a strong social value return, the East Riding leg left a lasting impression on participants, educators, and the wider community.
Evaluation demonstrated that the project generated £7.61 of social value for every £1 invested, clearly evidencing the significant return and impact programmes like this can deliver.
Nottingham
In partnership with Orchestras Live and Nottinghamshire Music Hub, Jessie Grimes and Sinfonia Viva musicians Maddy Aldis-Evans (oboe) and Dave Ayre (double bass) delivered a series of full-day ENERGY workshops across five schools in in Retford and Worksop. Engaging over 155 Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils, along with 30 students with SEND, the workshops supported young people in exploring their creative responses to the climate crisis through music
Suffolk
In June and July 2025, we had the pleasure of partnering with Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub to deliver the final ENERGY project of the year. Working with two primary schools in Lowestoft – Westwood and Grove – students created original and powerful artistic responses to the theme of climate change.
With guidance from composer and creative lead James Redwood, and Sinfonia Viva percussionist Tim Gunnell, pupils explored themes such as advancing technology, global warming and rising temperatures, renewable energy sources, and the power of collaboration to build a better future, developing their ideas into compelling musical works. The project culminated in two unforgettable performances at the Battery of Ideas, where we transformed the vast temporary arts space into an awe-inspiring concert venue – welcoming new audiences and celebrating the creativity and voices of young people.
Teachers’ feedback
Teachers observed marked improvements in confidence, creative expression, scientific understanding, and teamwork. The cross-curricular nature of ENERGY also supported teacher development, with 95% reporting increased confidence in using music to support broader curriculum goals. Artists and educators worked collaboratively, modelling how creative practice can transform learning environments and broaden cultural capital.
“It was LIFE CHANGING… The musicians are so inspiring and welcoming.” – Teacher
“Combining music and science provided multiple ‘ways in’ for children with different interests.” – Partner
“Some children who find writing challenging really thrived.” – Teacher