Education ViVA

Animal Magic
South Normanton Village Hall
11 November 2008

Following on from the success of the More Glass Than Wall project in 2007-2008, Bolsover District Council liaised with ViVA and created a project which involved over sixty local young people taking part in a singing project called Animal Magic with sinfonia ViVA musicians from September to November 2008.

"The team were superb and made the whole process a fun and enjoyable experience for ALL!" - Lynn Kawalec, Teacher at Glebe Junior School

The students from Frederick Gent Secondary School and Glebe Junior School in South Normanton worked with ViVA's Choral Advisor David Lawrence and pianist Matt Beckingham for a series of workshops at their own schools where they learnt a variety of animal songs.

"[The other school were] a great inspiration." - Participant, Glebe Junior School

The concert featured the wonderful children's choral work 'Boris the Baboon' which was written by Adam Saunders especially for ViVA education projects, as well as a range of other animal themed songs.

"My favourite song was Twist in the Tail." - Participant, Glebe Junior School

The young people were joined by a sinfonia ViVA ensemble for the final rehearsal and performance on 11 November.

"[My favourite part was] when everyone was singing the Dog Song." - Participant, Glebe Junior School

During the performance the musicians performed a selection of animal-themed repertoire such as 'The Swan' from Carnival of the Animals and 'The Python' from Animal Ditties, so that the students got the chance to hear how the different instruments sound.

"Performing in front of a live audience and with professional musicians has really enhanced the pupils confidence in subsequent performances." - Lynn Kawalec, Teacher at Glebe Junior School

The project was generously supported by Bolsover District Council, Wilson Bowden Developments, Arts & Business and Orchestras Live. sinfonia ViVA is supported by Arts Council England.

Images from the project...