Adults celebrate Grade 1 success as Grade-a-thon raises over £11,000 for young people across Essex

Following months of lessons, practice and determination, most participants completed their exams across two weekends in July. The project culminated in a special celebration at Saffron Hall, where participants and their families came together to mark their achievements – and the musicians had the opportunity to play together.

The music performed by the Grade-a-thon participants was specially arranged by composers Janet Wheeler and Sarah Cattley. The mother and daughter duo both participated in the challenge, taking Grade 1 on instruments they had not played before.

Supported by Saffron Building Society and delivered in partnership with Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra, the initiative brought together complete beginners – including some learning to read music for the first time – and people returning to music after many years away. Members of the orchestra have helped tutor, mentor and encourage participants throughout their musical journeys, with Kathryn Middleton supporting everyone through the complete process from sign up to exam day.

The project followed Saffron Hall’s Instrument Amnesty, which has seen more than 80 unused instruments donated by the local community to find new homes with aspiring young musicians.

Angela Dixon MBE, Chief Executive said: “It is sometimes assumed that music is learnt as a child or not at all. The Grade-a-thon has proved that isn’t true. People from all walks of life have taken on the challenge—some are complete beginners who have had to learn to read music, others are rediscovering a passion they put aside decades ago. Not only are they achieving something important for themselves, but they are also raising money so more young people across Essex can experience the lifelong benefits of engaging with music.”

Grade-a-thon participant, Clive, who learnt the trumpet, said ‘It’s been great fun, I now have a great appreciation for fellow brass players and plan to carry on and do Grade 2 next year.”

With more than £11,000 raised and many participants already talking about progressing to Grade 2 and beyond, Saffron Hall hopes the Grade-a-thon will inspire even more people to discover that it is never too late to learn an instrument and experience the joy of making music with others.