A musical journey for Plymouth youngsters ends with Pavilions finale
Some 500 youngsters from 19 schools across Plymouth will be taking to the stage at Plymouth Pavilions on Thursday to perform songs they have created as part of a project to get them involved in music.
‘Sing Plymouth’ is run by Okehampton-based community music charity Wren Music and funded by Plymouth Music Education Hub. The schools – five secondary, 12 primary and two special – are led by Notre Dame Roman Catholic School in Derriford.
Following training from Wren Music’s professional musicians, one song each was written by students at the five secondary schools, who then used their new leadership skills to teach them to younger children at ‘feeder’ primaries.
Thursday’s concert is the finale of the project and an opportunity for all the students to join together to perform their songs on a stage which has seen some of the biggest acts in music.
The theme of the five songs – ‘My Journey’ – was chosen by the 100 secondary school students. Paul Wilson, musical director at Wren Music, explained: “They came up with the theme and we asked them how they would like to interpret that for the younger children in their feeder area to sing. They had differing interpretations with some lovely ideas coming through.
“Plymouth is such a melting pot and that is reflected in the songs that have been written. One has a gospel feel, another has drum and bass and another has a strumming guitar so that it sounds a bit like Leonard Cohen. There are some fantastic voices, too.
“It has warmed my heart to see the young people in the secondary schools working so closely with the younger ones at the primary schools and helping them. The level of co-operation has been remarkable. And in turn, the youngsters in the primary schools have felt flattered that the older students have written songs especially for them.
“The finale is a great way to celebrate the project. Playing at the Pavilions is a huge thing for these young people. They will be treading the same boards as some of their favourite pop and rock stars.”
Wren Music have delivered similar projects at schools in Torbay and Exeter but this is the first time they have worked with schools in Plymouth. ‘Sing Plymouth’ started in September and was planned as the first of a three year programme: “It’s wonderful to be able to look ahead and make some really concrete plans,” said Paul.
“It’s been a lovely project to work on. It’s brought people together and the teachers have said it has been a great leveller. There is one lad who is dyslexic so struggles a bit with academic subjects but he has taken a lead with this. So the project is bringing out different skills in people and giving them new confidence. It’s been wonderful.”
My Journey is at Plymouth Pavilions on Thursday 20 June at 6.30pm, with a duration of 75 minutes. Tickets are £6 for adults, admission for under-16s is free. Box office: 0845 146 1460.
The Songs:
ONE MORE LEVEL
Written by students of St. Boniface College
With: Mary Dean, Woodlands, Brook Green
THE MAGIC BUS
Written by Hele's School
With: Woodford, Old Priory
STEP INTO MY WORLD
Written by Devon High School for Girls
With: Montpelier, Ford Primary School
LIFE TRAIN
Written by Coombe Dean School
With: Hyde Park Junior, Wembury, Pomphlett Primary
BE SOMEONE
Written by students of Notre Dame RC School
With: Keyham, St. Peter's RC Primary, Cathedral, Holy Cross
