The Orchestra piloted this project to engage with young people (aged 15 – 20) from some of the most disadvantaged areas in South London who have an interest in music. The Band currently has around 30 members rehearsing over a series of 10 sessions every term. These sessions are led by workshop leader Phil Mullen and are supported by London Philharmonic Orchestra players, associate musicians and Southbank Centre Emerging Artists in Residence – a group of 15 young musicians chosen for their expertise in different areas. The young adults come from very diverse backgrounds, both culturally and musically, and regularly meet and rehearse to combine ideas and create new musical works to perform at the Royal Festival Hall. Older members graduate from the Band allowing new musicians to join and bring fresh ideas into the group. The members of The Band write, rehearse and perform their own music under the direction of some of London’s most talented creative leaders. This pilot group will have classical, pop/rock, Indian, gospel, street, soul and jazz influences and will play a really diverse range of instruments. To ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation, none of the students will be asked to pay anything to take part. As the Orchestra does not receive public funding for this or for any of its education projects, we ask for your support to help us make this programme possible this season. The next performance by The Band will take place on March 14th 2009 at 6.00pm in the Royal Festival Hall.