NEARLY 2,000 pupils came together to raise their voices in celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday.
The annual music extravaganza, the Big Sing 2016, held at the University of Worcester Arena, saw pupils from schools across Worcestershire aged seven to 11 perform and wish the Queen a happy birthday.
The event, run by the University of Worcester and Worcestershire Youth Music also took inspiration from the university’s Whole Earth exhibition on sustainability, with pupils rehearsing four songs based on the theme.
On the day, pupils either performed in a morning or afternoon session after a singing workshop with educational vocal tutor Ula Weber.
Pupils attending in the morning then performed ‘Sing’, written by singer-songwriter Gary Barlow and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, to assembled guests, including Clare Marchant, Chief Executive of Worcestershire County Council, and the Queen’s Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Worcestershire, Lady Susan Hughes.
Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Worcestershire Michael Clarke attended to hear the song performed in the afternoon.
Anne Hannaford, Director of Arts and Culture at the University of Worcester, said: “It was really uplifting to see all the children and the guests singing together.
“Everybody has a voice, and everybody can discover that they enjoy music through singing; the University is really proud to be part of this fantastic event.”
In addition, Dines Green Primary School, working with University musician in residence Chris Mapp, and Hallow Primary School both devised and performed solo pieces reflecting the theme.
Trevor Jones, Head of Worcestershire Youth Music within Worcestershire County Council, said: “This is one of those special opportunities that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
“It would not have been possible without the partnership with the university.”
