Today I had arranged for the “Singing ensemble” at St Helens primary in Barry to sing in the residential home near to the school. 4 of the children were in (out of 6). They’re not at all used to performing as such a small group but were excited at the prospect of missing a bit of school – plus doing something new.
I was absolutely amazed at seeing the children in a different light as they helped to hand out song sheets and instruments to the residents – I was very busy getting my guitar ready etc so they stepped up to cover me. Their singing was in fact somewhat more confident and I was trying to analyse why…I think the residents were relatively uncritical and really enjoyed just having the children there but also the children – I think – realised that they had an important task to do – which was to give the residents a really nice time. Also the fact that there were only 4 of them – they needed to “go for it”.
We didn’t realise as we got to the home that there were 3 different lounges and needed to sing in all 3! This required great patience from the children – which again they displayed so maturely – their age range is from 8 – 10! The age range of the residents was I think 70 – 106 some with purely physical difficulties but rather a lot with mental health, age related conditions. This could have so easily phased the children but it didn’t.
So incredibly proud of them (Slightly bleary eyed too – as were some of the residents)- and thankful to have found this very local and wonderfully valid opportunity for singing. I’m hoping to take another group in next week…..