We’re very excited to announce we’ve been nominated for an Excellence in Primary/Early Years Award at the 2019 Music Teacher Awards for Excellence.
We’re among some amazing projects so we’re really privileged to be nominated.
The project that has been nominated is our innovative collaboration between ourselves, The Piece Hall and Calderdale Music Trust, bringing history and heritage to life. It revived the traditional Piece Hall Big Sing with a modern twist.
Primary school children from nine schools worked with Sam, to write brand new songs which explored the historic Piece Hall, Halifax and Calderdale more widely. Songs about the trades of the past, about famous and infamous characters who walked the floors of the Piece Hall, about Halifax zoo and about the daredevils who would come and wow the crowds.
The Piece Hall Learning and Participation team introduced the subject matter of the songs in a visit before the project. Performing Arts etc provided the artistic lead and musical direction and the music hub provided key school contacts and logistical support. It was a truly collaborative project!
When the 11 songs had been written, 10 by participants for their peers to sing, and one by Sam as a finale, resource packs were prepared. After a CPD session children and staff from 21 Calderdale primary schools set about learning the songs.
On Whit Friday 2018, 850 children from 21 schools came together with a live band in the Piece Hall to perform the songs to an audience of some 2,500 people including the Mayor of Calderdale.
The Piece Hall are left with a resource pack of songs to sing with groups of school children who visit them. Songs routed in the community, written with lyrics that can be easily understood, and catchy, singable tunes in a sensible range.
We believe this is an exemplar model for future projects.The winner will be announced in March.
