Big Sing Raises The Roof

 

More than 2000 pupils from Manchester’s primary, secondary and special schools exercised their vocal chords at Manchester Music Service’s annual Big Sing event in the Bridgewater Hall.

Music and singing is high on the agenda in all Manchester schools and the event, which featured Brookway  High School, brings pupils from over fifty schools across the city together to sing in harmony and show off their many vocal talents to the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Alison Firth -  whose focus for her year of office is on young people, and particularly the benefits of music and singing on their development.

The tuneful programme is based on the song bank of the national schools’ singing campaign - Sing Up includes everything from classic pop tunes like ‘Ain’t no mountain high enough’, ‘Rivers of Babylon’, and ‘Sloop John B’, to songs from the movies such as ‘Consider Yourself’ from ‘Oliver’, ‘King of the Swingers’ from ‘Jungle Book’, ‘Bad Guys’ from ‘Bugsy Malone’, and - of course - ‘We’re all in this together’ from ‘High School Musical.  Pupils were accompanied by a live band of Music Service teachers and pupils.

Councillor Sheila Newman, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:  ”All the research shows that as well as being immensely enjoyable music and singing can play a major part in helping children and young people learn and develop.  It makes them feel good and is something that children of all academic abilities can excel at.  

“Manchester Music Service provides a wealth of opportunities both in school and in centres around the city for children and young people to get involved in music - whether it’s playing an instrument or singing”