Keeping schools singing with 10 Minute Sign & Sing: looking back on a year of resilient music-making
At the end of this school year, Southampton Music Hub is celebrating resilience.
The past 16 months have been disruptive for everyone, and in the face of such challenging times, we have seen the city’s young musicians, and the adults who support them, show an incredible ability to adapt, to grow, to learn, and to reach out.
Music has motivated us to keep going, and it has also helped us to grow the personal qualities that are so valuable, not just because they make great musicians, but because they make us better people.
So at the end of this school year, we’re celebrating resilience.
10 Minute Sign & Sing
When Covid restrictions in schools meant that singing assemblies were cancelled, and singing in the classroom was much trickier, then Southampton Music Hub responded with a brand new initiative called “10 Minute Sign & Sing”.
It’s ten minutes long, because Covid guidance says to keep singing short; there is sign language with every video, so that when you can’t sing, you can sign along; and it’s in video format so anyone can take part, anywhere (yes, even if your bubble has been sent home!). Also, many of the songs also celebrate and encourage those taking part to show and grow the inner strengths that make us more resilient.
The project has been a huge hit, clocking up thousands of Youtube views, and reaching across the country.
Nia Collins, Vocal Coordinator, says:
“The health and wellbeing benefits of singing and making music with others are well known, and they are even more important at a time when young people are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. It’s been so inspiring to see them enjoying music, celebrating their achievements, and being part of something the hub has made to help them carry on singing!”
10 Minute Sign & Sing is just one example of the way digital resources have kept music making going in schools this year. Because these resources are digital, a huge range of hub partners and others have been able to share their unique musical perspectives, including Folk Active, Alexander D Great, Welsh National Opera and more. Plus, they’re available for schools to use next year, and far into the future!