Fosse Way School had a great time celebrating National Sing Up Day. In addition to the Sing Up Day theme of ‘Be the Change’, we also had our own ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ theme to celebrate our young instrumentalists in the school.

In the morning, everyone was invited to attend a range of singing workshops with Tim Parker from the B&NES Music Hub, where they learned some rock ‘n’ roll classics – like Bon Jovi’s ‘Living On A Prayer’ – and practised their air guitar! You could hear the singing all around the school... It was great to see so much enthusiasm.

Some groups also attended a ukulele workshop led by Jody Prewett. This was a great opportunity to get a feel for our lunchtime Uukulele club, and lots of pupils came away proud that they had learned to play “a tiny guitar”!

The orchestra were getting ready in the morning for their first live performance, and there was a great atmosphere in the hall as they practised together.

Various musical activities were taking place all around the school, from ‘Guess the lyrics’ challenges to ‘Be the Change’ activities. It was brilliant to see pupils walking around the school with their lyric sheets, reading and singing the lyrics to some well-known rock ‘n’ roll songs.

We also had ‘Singing Star Challenges’ to complete, and I am proud to say the winning tutor group was 2LD! They earned an amazing 93 singing stars, which has to be a new record. They also earned a special commendation for recording a secret video of our Head of School singing – great teamwork!

Another highlight was our rock ‘n’ roll photobooth, where there was the chance for pupils to strike a rock pose with their favourite instrument/inflatable prop. This was great fun, and prompted some musical instrument exploration.

In the afternoon, we held our first Marvellous Live Music Showcase, featuring the Orchestra, Ukulele Club, Tiny Trebles Choir, Showstoppers Choir, Instrumental pupils and Jane’s music groups. This was a very popular showcase, which attracted so many pupils and families that there was standing room only at the back of the hall! What a great turnout – Thank you to all who attended and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

All pupils involved in the performance should be very proud of themselves, and were an inspiration to many, so well done everyone! The orchestra also gave their first ever public performance, where they remembered their parts and played with rhythm… so ‘stay tuned’ for their next performance.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to the B&NES Music Hub for their continued support; to Tim for bringing so much excitement about singing; Jody for encouraging our young instrumentalists and leading our great Ukulele Club; and Tara for giving our new orchestra the confidence to perform together.

Becca Tranter, Music Co-ordinator, Fosse Way School