The 'Sing into Spring' trip on Tuesday 7th February was a resounding success.
The 14 students that came along (year 8 – year 10), joined forces with several other Ark schools to create a massed choir rehearsal.
In the morning they split into their respective vocal ranges (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone), and were led by some of Ark’s music Artists to learn 3 songs they will be performing at the Barbican as part of the Ark Music Choir. During this time the music teachers had to learn a piece separately. The sections then joined together in the large hall at Cecil Sharp house and with the help of a band together sang through the three pieces for the first time.
We then took lunch… and following the teachers had to sing our piece (Fire) to the students. (They will also then be performing this at the Ark Gala). The schools then split into 4 groups and together composed a short piece based on what they had just listened to, with the help of teachers and music staff… (I was able to join a band on the piano), and finally came together to perform their group compositions – each one had its own unique character and each group had created something that was both individual, complex and clearly met the ‘Fire’ brief.
Just before leaving we all sang the three songs we had been learning during the morning one more time.
I believe all students enjoyed it. Highlights for me were Arshia on the grand piano at lunch impressing the other students in the hall with Queen and Studio Ghibli songs, and the students coming together from different places and making new friends through this musical experience.
Mr Medland, Music Teacher
