Over 200 children took part in Wakefield's 'Big Sing' Concert in the Grand Theatre and Opera House last week. Organised by Wakefield Music Services, the concert included performances from Wakefield Youth Choir, Music and the Deaf, the Primary Gifted and Talented Group and the Knottingley Primary Singing Project.
Wakefield Youth Choir opened the evening with a varied programme of traditional songs from around the world contrasted with some great arrangements of popular songs such as 'Killing me Softly' and 'Something Stupid', featuring Zoe Dunphy and Peter Morgan.
For their last piece, 'Can you hear me?' the choir were joined by the Music and the Deaf group who then performed their own piece, 'The Firebird'. The group meet each Monday to make music together and next year, some of the children will have the opportunity to extend their abilities by receiving instrumental lessons from Music Services teachers.
Following this was a performance of rhythmical virtuosity by the Primary Gifted and Talented Group, featuring pupils from 8 schools across the district. Performing a piece entitled 'Feel the Beat', they drew sounds and rhythms from the African continent, played on a selection of Djembe drums.
The second half of the concert was performed by the Knottingley Primary Singing Project, led by Wakefield Music Services' singing coach, Jennie Burke. With pupils coming together from 6 schools in the Knottingley area, the suite of songs entitled 'Riversong' was performed with great enthusiasm and enjoyment. Finally, all the children taking part were squeezed onto the stage to join in with a rousing finale, which even involved contributions from the audience!
