Pauline Waugh, Chair and co-founder of singing group Cheyne Gang, talks to us about a new free resource for people suffering from long covid.As a...
From rainbow drawings in windows to clapping and pot bashing on Thursdays, the public support shown towards our NHS and key workers has produced some of the most uplifting moments of the COVID-19 lockdown. Some of our talented member groups have been getting involved too, using music to help bring a much-needed smile to people's faces in these challenging times. Here’s a few highlights we've seen so far.
Blackpool Symphony Orchestra
With their usual Tuesday evening rehearsals suspended, members of the Blackpool Symphony took out their mobile phones to create this impressive performance of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, arranged by their own Composer-in-Residence, Edward Rugman. The orchestra used the video to launch a fundraiser for the local Blackpool Food Bank, which has so far raised £2,685 — a whopping 818% of their original target! The project also featured on a local TV news report from ITV Granada Reports.
Pandemonium Drummers
The Pandemonium Drummers were originally put together for the Pandemonium segment of the London 2012 opening ceremony. As a special thank you to NHS staff and key workers, the group put together this special lockdown performance of And I Will Kiss, which they first performed together at the opening ceremony eight years ago. Nice light bulb hats, guys!
Aberystwyth Silver Band
After a clip of comedian Matt Lucas singing Thank you Baked Potato went viral, the Little Britain star decided to release the song as a charity single to raise money for the Feed the NHS campaign. Lots of people have since joined in the fun and recorded their own versions, including this jolly rendition from member group, Aberystwyth Silver Band. Da iawn chi!
City of Bristol Brass Band
Who better to bring a smile during this difficult time than family TV favourites, Wallace & Gromit?! Members of the City of Bristol Band have been busy creating this special socially-distanced version of the iconic TV theme to raise money for the Bristol Children's Hospital Grand Appeal. The hospital charity has said it will distribute the video to patients, families, and staff across the hospital to help spread a little cheer during these difficult times. Cracking cheese, Gromit!
Rainbow Chorus
Here's something a little different from Brighton-based group, Rainbow Chorus. Guest starring comedian Hannah Brackenbury, the parody of TLC’s 1999 hit No Scrubs shows members of the group working together to produce scrubs for the NHS as part of the For the love of Scrubs campaign. And yes, the original song is really more than two decades old!?
Yorkshire Wind Orchestra
To celebrate their 25th birthday, members of the Yorkshire Wind Orchestra recorded this special lockdown version of happy birthday to help raise money for the NHS in Yorkshire. Through their crowdfunding page, they are hoping to raise £625 (£25 x 25 years) and are currently 75% of the way there!
After you’ve seen the video, take a look at the orchestra’s special bonus video explaining how they put the recording together…multiple takes and all!
Barbara Eifler — Making Music Chief Executive
And finally, our talented Chief Executive took her trumpet outside to lead her South London street in a Thursday singalong of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Barbara took up the trumpet two years ago as part of the Orchestra's for All Musical Chairs challenge and now plays third cornet in a local brass band. We don't think that she needs it, but look out for the learner sticker on her music stand!
Making Music is launching a special Virtual Concert series! If your group is a member of Making Music and has a video or audio recording you'd like to share, find out more how to feature in a broadcast.
