Orchestra musicians play percussion at Oxford Town Hall

They were preparing to be soloists in a concert by the Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra in 1987.

During the performance, they would perform on timpani, xylophone, vibraphone, tubular bells, glockenspiel, cymbals, triangles and tom-toms.

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Usually, they performed at the back of the orchestra, but this time, they were taking centre stage.

Their coach, Sue Lawrence, said: “Instead of being at the back of the orchestra and just adding colour, they will be at the forefront and the orchestra will be in the background.”

The 80-strong orchestra had just completed a four-day residential course to prepare for the concert.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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