Education ViVA

Beanbag Proms: Sparkle! Jingle! Cheer!
Saturday 9th December 2006
Royal Concert Hall Foyer, Nottingham

Over 360 children under 6 and their families joined sinfonia ViVA, Beanie Bear and Alasdair Malloy for the second in the series of the innovative Beanbag Proms with 'Sparkle! Jingle! Cheer!'

"I thought it was fun. Lots of different things... it's nice to sit on a beanbag to feel part of it."

A buzz of festive excitement and anticipation filled the foyer of the Royal Concert Hall as children and their families were greeted by Beanie Bear and found a seat on one of the many brightly coloured beanbags ready for the concert to start. Many were amazed as musicians gradually started appearing playing there instruments from some most unexpected places as musical maestro Alasdair Malloy opened the performance with a festive musical journey around the world. Beanie Bear took her place amongst her children, entering to her own Beanie Bear Song.

"[The most effective element was] the unexpected entrance of the drummer from behind (it immediately grabbed the children's attention) and the way the instruments were brought in and introduced." - Parent

'Sparkle! Jingle! Cheer!' included many festive favourites such as Seasons Greetings and Sleigh Ride, which both featured audience participation with bells and keys. The children sang along to Frosty the Snowman, and listening to a story about a Fidgety Didgety Mouse who helped Santa move into a new technological age! Beanie Bear found some magic boots and a hat, and as Alasdair put them on he was able to perform Sleigh Ride, with different tuned bells on his arms, legs and head! The performance finished with some festive dancing to Jingle Bell Rock!

"I thought it was very good. This was our first one. We liked the participation bits and the dancing. "

"I liked the dancing at the end." - Ruby, aged 5

At the end of the performance, the children were encouraged to meet the musicians and have a go on some of their instruments. This was particularly popular as the children were able to see and in some cases play the instruments up close.

"I didn't know what to expect, but it was brilliant. They all loved it. They've had a go on all the instruments. It was great." - Parent

This work would not have been possible without the support of Royal Centre, sinfonia ViVA, Arts Council of England, Nottingham City Council and EOB. We would like to acknowledge the generous support of John Lewis, Nottingham. This work was supported by the following Trusts: The Lady Hind Trust; The Jessie Spencer Trust; The Whitaker Charitable Trust.

Images from the project...