Clarion for Open Orchestras

The Clarion™ is a game-changing accessible instrument that can be played with hands, eye or head movement (with Eyegaze and head trackers). Hundreds of young musicians with a wide range of access needs play it independently and expressively in Open Orchestras, the largest community of inclusive ensembles in the UK (www.openorchestras.org).

The Clarion™ is portable, quick to set up and engaging with colourful notes and 13 high-quality instrument sounds to choose from including strings, woodwind, pitched percussion and brass. The sound it makes and the way notes are laid out on screen can be changed to meet a musician’s access needs, musical skills and playing preferences.

Young musicians love the sound choices and control it gives them, the colourful screens and the intuitive playing experience - it’s fun to play the Clarion™ on iPads!

The Clarion™ is also highly expressive and brings the same opportunities for musical progression as conventional instruments. You can start making music within five minutes but it takes practice and musicianship to play it well.

This version of the Clarion™ is exclusive to special schools and Music Hubs running the Open Orchestras music education programme. It comes with a library of adapted music for orchestras to play, plus the option to compose and share musical patterns.

The Clarion™ encourages musical creativity. There’s no need to read notation to play it. Students can follow a score, play by ear or play the patterns in any order they like.