Pupils from Churchfield Primary School were among more than 100 who rocked out on stage at Millfield Theatre (credit Roy Ikoroha)

Schoolchildren perform popular anthems on stage for first time

More than 100 schoolchildren treated their friends and family to a rock concert in Edmonton – made possible by national music charity Youth Music.

Local children were given the chance to be part of a rock band during their school day by Edmonton Community Partnership, which worked with Youth Music to fund lessons from Rocksteady Music School.

The children from eight different schools across Edmonton spent five months learning to play songs such as Blinded by Your Grace by Stormzy, Shotgun by George Ezra, and Sweet Child of Mine by Guns ‘n’ Roses.

The project set out to raise children’s aspirations in Edmonton and teach children teamwork through music, while boosting wellbeing and confidence. The schools involved were Raynham Primary, Eldon Primary, Aylward Academy, West Lea Swan Campus, Churchfield Primary, Starksfield Primary, Wilbury Primary and St Edmunds Primary.

Ben Millier, head of impact at Rocksteady Music School, said: “It was an honour to watch the children achieve beyond their expectations, they really rocked it. Playing in a band is an amazing experience for children, and we were thrilled to work with Youth Music and the Edmonton Community Partnership to teach such an inspiring group of young people.

“The confidence boost will stay with the children for years to come – that is what is so special about playing music in a group.”

Pupils at Rocksteady Music School are taught by professional gigging musicians with a focus on empowering all children to play music they love in real bands, even if they’ve never touched an instrument before.

Clare-Louise Mussell, partnership manager from Edmonton Community Partnership, said: “Some of these children had absolutely no confidence at the beginning of the project and had never stepped on stage before. To see them work together as a team and perform in front of a large audience at Millfield Theatre was absolutely amazing.

“Projects such as this are crucial to raising children’s aspirations, supporting new skills and showing them just what they can achieve and what a brilliant afternoon it was!”

Yousoof Dauhoo, assistant head at West Lea School, added: “Our young artists really enjoyed the moment and made us proud. They had the time of their life, overcoming anxiety barriers to stand on stage and perform in front of the live audience.”

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