« Orchestre à l’école is a program that transforms classrooms into orchestras all over France, in elementary schools and middle schools », explains Marianne Blayau. For three years, students benefit from two hours of musical practice per week with an instrument, as part of a partnership between the school, a music school, a local authority, and a local luthier.
Initially, the project addressed the observation of a lack of instrumental practice in France. However, the first results quickly showed that the benefits extended far beyond learning music.
The program helps to remove several barriers to accessing music, whether they are economic, cultural, or geographical. « Playing an instrument means buying a musical instrument and paying for a school. So it’s not affordable for everyone », she explains.
« We tell all these children that you will all succeed », asserts Marianne Blayau. In the orchestra, everyone has a role to play, and success depends on the collective.
« It changes attitudes within the classroom. It also changes attitudes towards adults », explains Marianne Blayau. Concentration, self-confidence, autonomy, and cooperation are among the skills developed.
« Basically, it brings more academic success, but above all, more success in life, and more self-confidence for the children », concludes Marianne Blayau.
