Blackpool Schools On-Stage At The Grand

Andrew White, Music, Education Co-ordinator for Blackpool Council, said, "This unique educational and cultural experience has been the culmination of three weeks intensive work with fourteen Blackpool schools. Performed in the prestigious Grand Theatre Blackpool to a capacity house, the opening night concluded in perfect unison with the Batanai Marimba Band, pupils and the entire audience working in perfect harmony. The teaching and learning experience directed by Wedzi and Millicent, from The World Muzik Makers, has provided a wealth of ethnical knowledge and understanding, unique experiences and genuine enjoyment for all."

The schools taking part were Baines Endowed Church of England Primary, Marton Primary, Mereside Primary, Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary, Revoe Primary, Roseacre Primary, St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary, St John Vianney Catholic Primary, St Kentigern's Catholic Primary, St Nicholas Church of England Primary, St Teresa's Catholic Primary, Park School, Highfurlong School and Woodlands School.

Grand Theatre manager Paul Iles said, "African Music Night has been a successful introduction to world music, for hundreds of Blackpool school students. It has made pupils feel comfortable in the presence of artistes, at their schools' workshops and at the Grand Theatre. We have been pleased to facilitate these vital links by working with Blackpool Council's education system. It goes to show that the Grand is a non-existent frontier for young theatregoers. It's all about helping students to define themselves. Through the arts, and events like this, we find out who we are, what we are part of, where we come from, who else is like us, or thinks like us, or feels the same way as us. Pupils' aptitude for creating music is an act of self-expression and belonging. These are all qualities that we hope to encourage through future collaborations with Blackpool Council."

Pupils from forty Blackpool schools will appear at the Grand Theatre in the annual Schools Alive performances, On Monday 29, Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 January 2007.

By www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk