Siyabonga

Laura IredaleHamilton Community College

#projectafricahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6_sSfzhoqQ

An exploration of innovation and thankfulness

Project overview…#projectafrica set out to be an epic musical journey spanning 2 continents and 6,000 miles.

It has ended up being the experience of a lifetime for everyone involved!

• Traditional Zulu songs (challenge their concepts of Western music)• Rehearsing with/getting to know children in South Africa (children with incomprehensively different backgrounds – same love of music) • Trans-continental concert showcasing our student choirs, bands and a South African choir • Live Skype link for the simultaneous performance of African influenced repertoire!

Benefits: Hamilton…• We are committed to giving our students memorable experiences, experiences like #projectafrica

• Effective global citizens.

• Have a very real impact on the lives of others around the world.

‘The songs we played and heard made me realise that different music is important to the people who sing it. The best part was when we got to sing with one another!’ – Jemma Anderson Y7

Photos…

A lot of our students at Hamilton come from an African background and reported that it was great to be able to reconnect with their heritage and share it with their school mates.

Photos…

Left: This shot of the stage shows the South African choir singing live over Skype. Right: This photo shows some of our Year7’s doing a brilliant job of backing vocals for ‘You can call me Al.’

Anyway, let me welcome you to Lamontville…

Benefits: SA… • There’s no government funded schooling in South Africa.

• Even with the best will in the world, sometimes it’s just not enough to really make a difference and change their lives…with this connection they were able to experience more of the world than they had ever thought possible before!

‘They all mentioned how they just love being part of this big global family. Thanks so much for your part that you and your students have played in uniting and cementing this bond.’

Ground breaking?• Not ground breaking technology.

• Technology not confined to phones.

• Rather than isolating from other human beings it is facilitating connections and experience of wider value.

• Some of our students found they had lots in common with the Lamontville guys…especially a love for football!

• For a period of time – equality…

For more info on the COPT…www.coptrust.org.za

http://www.hamilton.leicester.sch.uk/visualperformingarts.php

liredale@hamilton.leicester.sch.uk

For more info on Hamilton Community College…