KS2 Choir at Birds Hill Home, 25th June 2015.
Anyone who has spent time with me will know that music is a constant in my life.
There is something about music that is so evocative of time, place and memory; it does not work for everyone but, for me, it's akin to magic.
Yesterday, Mrs. Turner led a visit to the residential home at the top of Birds Hill. The KS2 choir were assembled and told of the complex needs of the residents. Chat died off as we negotiated a labyrinth of corridors.
Mrs Turner led us in to a stiflingly hot room and warmed up with a few chords.
Hesitantly, the choir set off with their first song. It was difficult to hear clear lyrics, there was little volume…it was obvious that many were feeling slightly intimidated, distracted and nervous; none of which helps when performing in public. Many of the residents appeared to be asleep or unaware of the children's voices as the first song wobbled to a conclusion.
However, Mrs Turner rallied the voices around her and slowly but surely a beautiful wave of sound began to swell up and roll around the room. I saw tears start up around the room…an elderly gentleman got up and began to conduct us with a beaming smile on his face…one lady, who was completely static for the duration, slightly lifted one hand and tapped a slow, deliberate rhythm as the children soared through “We’ll meet again”.
I’ve seen some proud moments in my career but as Mrs Turner brought that particular song to a close, I can't recall a more moving moment.
It was real communication.
Powerful.
Natural.
Beautiful.
A link between generations that we must do more to keep alive.
R Howard, June 2015.