Preamble is a new music education programme at St John’s Waterloo, designed to introduce children and young people - especially those with limited access to live music and music education - to the joy of orchestral music and shared music-making. Through a series of workshops, the programme is providing an entry point for participants to engage with the rich cultural offerings of the South Bank. It also encourages an interest in music education and instrument learning.

Inspired by our yearly programme of orchestral music, and in partnership with local partners, we developed Preamble to extend music opportunities at St John's Waterloo to younger audiences.

The programme is built around two key strands:

Introducing the Orchestra: Launched in October 2024, this series of workshops explores orchestral music through practical activities, including music history, drumming, singing, and composing. Participants also have the rare opportunity to sit in on live orchestral rehearsals at SJW. These workshops are delivered in partnership with Sinfonia Smith Square and Oasis Academy South Bank, a local primary school.

Music in the Digital Realm: This strand invites young people to create an improvisatory piece using software and student-made sound effects and recordings. Delivered in partnership with IKLECTIK and Notre Dame Secondary School for Girls, the project introduces participants to digital composition and sound design, expanding their creative expression in innovative ways.