Page 378 - Guildhall Coverage Book 2020-21

to be creative. But also I think one of the underlying things is simply that music is fun. It is a
curriculum subject and every school should do it, but children learn through having fun, so it’s
education through enjoyment. If you have a happy child, they will learn more.

‘If you think about life in general, we are surrounded by music, and while most children may not go
on to play in an orchestra or be a pop star – although we’ve had people from William Law who
have gone on to play in orchestras – there are lots of different entry levels for music. Someone has
to be the foley artist on a film, or create music for adverts, or for apps. It’s all around us all the time.

And it doesn’t have to be part of a career to be worthwhile, either; joining a choir and going out
singing in later life is a fantastic stress relief and gets you to meet other people socially. So, it’s all
about creating a well rounded, happy human being.’

Diane Roberts, Music Coordinator at
Woodston Primary School:

“Music is just amazing for self worth and confidence. Also being part of a team – because there are
three group activities: 74 children in the choir, a 15-piece woodwind and brass ensemble, and an
eight-piece string ensemble. I think it’s just brilliant for the rhythm side and for counting; a lot of
mathematicians are also musicians and it’s quite common for musicians to excel in those subjects.
Also, there’s a need to go home and practice, so it’s good for timekeeping and being responsible –
both in relation to the practice itself but also looking after their instruments. Plus, especially with
singing, it just makes them feel good! They could have had a rubbish morning, but have a good

sing-song and the endorphins get going! We have a lot of non-native English speakers, but music
is like a common language, so it brings everyone to the same level. Even autistic children are often
happy to come to the front and sing.

“I think one of the highlights, which I’ve introduced during my teaching, has been the Young Voices
experience. To see children walk into a massive arena with live music and famous people singing,
like Tony Hadley or Stacey Solomon, and for them to become part of it – the excitement is just
wonderful. But there are the smaller things too. Just today we had an assembly at school and we
have a little boy – who started two years ago and who would not speak to anybody – who sang a
solo in front of the school. Moments like that are incredible.”