Year 3 pupils from St Mary’s Church of England School in Writhlington were in fine voice this week as they began rehearsals for a star-studded musical experience at Bath Abbey.
17 pupils visited the Abbey to learn more about ‘Stardust’, a space-themed music concert organised by the Bath-based charity Voices for Life, which will be performed at the Abbey in January.
‘Stardust’ tells the story of a group of child astronauts who are travelling to a planet called Zarg. Their journey takes them to different feeling planets, each represented by music and song.
The children will form part of a 200-strong schools’ choir which will perform the specially written musical on 29 January, accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra, conductor and narrator.
Voices for Life is a music, wellbeing and performance charity which works with children to inspire happiness and self-confidence through song. This is the second time it has worked with children from St Mary’s. In February pupils from Year 4 helped to form a choir to celebrate the 850th anniversary of St John’s Foundation and welcome Her Majesty Queen Camilla to a special service.
Tess Armstrong, who is the Founder and Executive Director of Voices for Life said of the day, "We're thrilled to have the children from St Mary’s School taking part. It’s been great to see their enthusiasm as we start this musical journey together!"
St Mary’s Church of England School Primary School is one of six schools in Bath, Keynsham and Radstock taking part in ‘Stardust’.
Miss Norris, the Year 3 teacher, said, “Voices for Life is an amazing opportunity for children to express themselves and explore emotions through a musical space adventure. At St Mary’s we provide many opportunities for children to learn, be inspired and experience music. Performing in the Bath Abbey will bring together all our children’s musical skills in such an inspiring way.”
Maddie from Year 3 is one of those who will be taking part in the performance she said she really enjoyed her time at the Abbey, “I loved playing the musical games in the Abbey with the bells and the teachers were fabulous! I can’t wait to learn the songs; they really explain our emotions and help us understand our feelings. My favourite planet (so far) is Zarg!”