Young Singers Entertain Across The Generations

The Year 6 children performed three songs for the elderly audience – 'I Can See Clearly Now’, Make Your Own Kind of Music’ and ‘Higher and Higher’ - filling the hall with uplifting melodies and youthful energy.

Also performing were The Seaside Singers, a local community singing group for adults with dementia, other neurological conditions, and their carers, families, and friends.

They treated the pupils to a few songs of their own, some in rounds or multiple parts, and the children joined in too. It showcased the power of music to connect people across all ages and backgrounds.

After the musical performances, singers and visitors shared refreshments and spent time chatting together in small groups and playing games, making meaningful connections that extended beyond the songs.

Assistant Head of School Hannah Dannell praised the event. She explained: “It’s wonderful to bring different groups from the community together like this.

“Not only do the children get to share their love of singing, but they also have the chance to meet and interact with people living with dementia. It’s an important and enriching experience for everyone involved."

The collaboration was coordinated by therapeutic arts practitioner from Cliftonville Charlie Hannah, a parent at the school and an experienced leader of local singing groups.

He has also composed a song titled "Sing From the Heart," which will be a highlight of the next performance, scheduled for November 20 at Queen's Road Baptist Church in Broadstairs. Run by the East Kent charity Music4Wellbeing (“M4W”), it will feature an even larger choir, combining different singing groups from the area, including the Year 6 pupils, who will join in performing the special song.

Parents and the wider community are invited to attend the November performance, which promises to be a celebration of music, togetherness, and the spirit of inclusion.

As the pupils and The Seaside Singers prepare for their next joint event, the bonds they have formed through music continue to grow stronger, reminding everyone of the unique power of song to bridge gaps and bring people together.

The aim is to continue links with the Seaside Singers by inviting them to watch RAPS’ dress rehearsals of the school’s Christmas and summer shows, as well as sharing community days out such as picnics on the beach and possibly more singing events in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile the music continues at RAPS with an outdoor carol concert on December 11 for parents with refreshments including hot chocolate in the playground setting. All Key Stage 2 children will be involved at the festive gathering where the choir will also perform.

This event will help raise funds for the RAPS creative showcase at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate, on April 1, following the ‘sold out’ success of the inaugural spring event at the theatre earlier this year.

RAPS community involvement is important, said Head of School Nick Budge: “Whether it is art, music, dance or theatrical performance, talent events, specialist concerts or comedy nights, RAPS is committed to playing an increasingly wider role within the area.

“Being part of our town’s arts programme is important for our children’s social and cultural awareness and for our school’s community developing role.”

*For more information about the Music4Wellbeing project, go online to www.music4wellbeing.org.uk.

Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Upton Junior School and Chilton Primary School.

**For more information, contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847