Pupils come together for Big Sing 2016

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The Institute of Education at the University of Worcester and Worcestershire Youth Music collaborated to bring together pupils aged seven to 11 from Worcestershire schools on June 8.

The annual event, in its second year, took inspiration from the University's Whole Earth exhibition focusing on sustainability.

The pupils also wished Her Majesty the Queen a happy 90th birthday with a song in her honour to coincide with national celebrations.

Anne Hannaford, Director of Arts and Culture at the University of Worcester, said: "It was really uplifting to see all the children and the guests singing together.

"Everybody has a voice, and everybody can discover that they enjoy music through singing; the University is really proud to be part of this fantastic event."

Pupils had rehearsed four sustainability themed songs with help from University students.

They included Sing written by singer-songwriter Gary Barlow and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

On the day pupils either performed in a morning or afternoon session after a singing workshop with educational vocal tutor Ula Weber.

In addition, Dines Green Primary School, working with University musician in residence Chris Mapp, and Hallow Primary School both devised and performed solo pieces reflecting the theme.

Pupils attending in the morning then performed Sing to assembled guests, including University Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer, University alumni, Clare Marchant, Chief Executive of Worcestershire County Council, and the Queen's Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Worcestershire,"Lady Susan Hughes.

Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Worcestershire Michael Clarke attended to hear the song performed in the afternoon.

Events were streamed live onto the University website with a link sent to all schools in the county.

Trevor Jones, Head of Worcestershire Youth Music within Worcestershire County Council, said: "This is one of those special opportunities that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

"It would not have been possible without the partnership with the university."

Lola Maiden, 9, pupil at Worcester's Pitmaston Primary School, said: "It was really good because everybody was in unison and it was really fun."

Fellow pupil Freya Wilson, 10, said: "It was really fun because we got to interact and play around with the actions and it was nice to sing for the Queen."