Musicians from an award-winning orchestra have been working with pupils at a city school to help them create an inclusive piece of music which they will perform on stage together.
Pupils from years seven, eight and nine at The Bemrose School, in Uttoxeter New Road, have been creating a piece of work around the title Pioneers, with professionals from Sinfonia Viva.
The group have written and composed their own piece of music and are learning to use British Sign Language to perform alongside it.
Musicians at Sinfonia Viva have been helping students to make music during sessions being held at The Bemrose School.
Twelve-year-old Alok Gowda, who is in year eight, said: “I used to play the piano but gave up when I got to grade three. I am thinking of going back to it though as this project has been really good fun.
“It’s brilliant being able to speak to the professional musicians and they have definitely helped me to improve my music skills.
Anointed Udodi, 12, is in year seven at the school. She said: “I love singing and sing a lot at my church – it makes me happy.
The Bemrose School students Anointed Udodi and Alok Gowda have been taking part in music sessions alongside local orchestra Sinfonia Viva.
“This whole project has been really good fun and I have also enjoyed learning to sign. It’s difficult but I think it’s important that music should be accessible to everyone.”
Principal oboist with Sinfonia Viva Maddy Aldis-Evans is one of the musicians working on the project.
She said: “When the pupils are all playing together they sound absolutely beautiful and some of their song lyric suggestions actually bring tears to your eyes.
Kader Kader got to grips with playing the piano as she helped compose an inclusive piece of music with Sinfonia Viva.
“To begin with the children were reticent because when you ask them to come up with an idea they immediately think that they can’t.
“Although they were cautious at first, they have discovered they can do it and not there is no holding them back – they are bombarding us with ideas. It’s brilliant.”
The project is being carried out three other schools in the city, Firs Primary, Becket Primary and Derby College.
Bemrose School music teacher Selale Akdeniz said: “This project is a great opportunity for our students not only to meet with professional musicians but also experience performing with a group of musicians on a stage.
“During these sessions, we cover aural listening, body percussion, singing, lyric writing, composing and performing and we are seeing confidence levels grow, talents burgeoning and a love of music is definitely being developed.
“Music is a universal language and we try hard to ensure all our pupils develop an appreciation of it.”
The final performance was intended to be on stage but is now being recorded on February 7th and shared online.
