Pupils at a leading independent prep school in Radlett, Edge Grove, continue to lift spirits with their relentless passion for music, having engaged in a record number of virtual musical lessons, concerts and activities during the recent period of school closures.
From participating in the school’s ‘Musician of the Year’ competition to performing in virtual choirs, live ‘rush hour’ concerts and special online lessons, music has soared during lockdown with many pupils taking up new instruments.
Engaging actively in music while schools have been closed has helped children at Edge Grove to maintain a sense of community and belonging, away from screens and in a language that everyone can get involved in.
Mrs Jessica Eglinton, director of music at Edge Grove School explains: “We’ve been super impressed by our pupil’s ability to change and adapt their way of learning during music lessons. Children are becoming more confident to perform and work independently as well as composing and performing music simply for fun, in their own free time.
“This has been significant in boosting wellbeing and communication between staff and pupils, during what has been a difficult time for many young people.”
During lockdown the school also launched its ‘Musician of the Year’ competition, whereby pupils pre-record a performance of themselves playing an instrument or singing a song to enter. The competition is open to all pupils and this year over 100 pupils have entered.
Mrs Eglinton added: “What has been encouraging is the use of music in helping children to reconnect with each other during this time and to physically use their bodies to connect to the music, whether that is creating their own instrument, participating in live performances in front of their peers online or engaging in music and movement activities, music really is a universal language and that has been so evident over the last couple of months.”
Edge Grove’s ‘Rush Hour’ concerts have also been particularly popular with local families during the period of school closures. This includes a collection of different performances; some are pre-recorded and some have been delivered live via Google Meets in front of a real audience.
“We have learned a lot from our music lessons during lockdown and we cannot wait to bring children back into the music room this month and to continue to support our pupils in their endeavours,” concluded Mrs Eglinton.
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