Not the Albert Hall – County Primary Schools Form Virtual Samba Band For Children In Need!
While Covid 19 has thwarted plans for many live performances of music this year, the Lincolnshire Music Service (LMS) has helped students at four county primary schools join together in a virtual Samba band performance, to be shared online on Friday 13 November as part of Children in Need 2020.
500 young musicians from Lincolnshire had been due to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, this November, taking part in the 50th birthday of Music for Youth, a national youth arts charity.
Unfortunately the concert had to be cancelled due to coronavirus, but undeterred, the LMS arranged for young musicians from four county primary schools to keep playing music and take part in a collaborative video of Samba music. What better day to premiere their work but on Children in Need day 2020! The video can be seen live on Friday 13 November at 11am https://youtu.be/0icLNrxntJ4
The Samba band consists of pupils from St Peter at Gowts C of E Primary school, Monks Abbey Primary School, St Hugh’s Catholic Primary Academy and the Gainsborough Charles Baines Community Primary school.
They’ve been rehearsing hard during this school year, and practising for their final performance.
Charlotte Hickerton, head teacher St Peter at Gowts C of E Primary School, Lincoln said, “I’m so proud and excited that the pupil’s music education has continued. Our Year 5s worked with musicians and explored different music associated with Samba. They put together a brilliant, high quality performance which they absolutely loved.
“They got to perform outdoors due to Covid, and played right on the High Street in Lincoln. During the pandemic, it’s so important to think about what you can do to help children keep exploring music, and to be able to achieve their full potential.”
Jennifer McKie, senior music adviser, LMS said, “We recognise that this has been a difficult year for all our young musicians, with most live music and concerts not able to go ahead. That’s why I’m so thrilled that these young performers have been able to enjoy playing Samba music and put together a performance that can be shared online for others to enjoy.
“We know how important music is for our physical, mental and emotional health, and particularly during these difficult times, we want to keep creating opportunities for children and young people to engage with live music. Hopefully we can raise some much needed funds for Children in Need at the same time!”
