The Sage,
Gateshead
A significant part of our programme of supporting education involves working with the management team at The Sage Gateshead in organising ‘The Big Sing’.
This innovative programme enables children and their teachers to take part in a seven month group singing project to encourage the development of musical opportunities across the North of England. Resource materials, including a song book, are provided to the schools and musicians from The Sage Gateshead work alongside each school providing additional inspiration and guidance. One important legacy of the programme is that teachers have increased skills and confidence to continue using singing in their lessons and in their schools.
The partnership with The Sage Gateshead began this year. The theme for 2007 was ‘The Big Sing Goes Pop’ focussing on the history of popular songs over the past 100 years. The climax of the programme involved 2,514 children and 237 teachers from 107 schools who performed at concerts on 5th July in Hall One at The Sage Gateshead. In addition children from Welbeck Primary School also sang at the MetroCentre.
The participating children came from diverse backgrounds attending schools of which approximately half are located in areas of the highest levels of deprivation in the United Kingdom.
The programme for 2008 will focus on ‘Freedom Songs’.
Quotes:
“I like the one called ‘American Idiot’ – or something like that – ‘cos it makes me smile when I sing” Tamara aged eight, commented on her favourite songs;
“The children have enjoyed learning the songs and it has been a great experience for them to work with musicians from the The Sage Gateshead.” Teacher
