All too often we hear bad things about young people in our communities, which is a real shame because the vast majority are an absolute credit.
It’s about time we heard more about their positive contribution, so I must share with you a recent experience of mine, which showed hundreds of amazing young people from Nottinghamshire at their very best and left me feeling extremely proud.
I was privileged to be amongst the large crowd at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall on 4 December to see 330 young people from Nottinghamshire perform ‘An Inspired Christmas Concert’.
The concert was a result of a three-year partnership, started 15 months agao, between Inspire, National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (NYCGB) Nottinghamshire Music Hub, and Nottingham Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall.
It was set up in response to Nottinghamshire Music Hub and Arts Council England data which showed ‘cold spots’ of low arts participation in the county and aims to make a real difference to the musical attainment and experiences of young students in those areas.
The results of that work were magnificent. I was totally blown away by the dedication, enthusiasm, professionalism and amazing talent of all those taking part.
It’s hard to pick out highlights from such a great night, but personal favourites included 138 primary school singers brilliant Home Alone II medley, Tuxford Academy’s reggae-Christmas carol mash-up and the Born on a New Day festive showstopper, featuring the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain Fellowship singers and all 330 young people.
The many hours of hard work and preparation which went in prior to the concert shone through. Congratulations should go to everyone involved in such a memorable night – the event organisers, teachers, stage crew, Inspire Music and the team from the Old Library in Mansfield.
The biggest thank-you of all though must go to every young person from the following schools who performed:
- Outwood Academy Portland
- The Joseph Whitaker School
- John Blow Primary School
- Orston Primary School
- Abbey Primary School
- Colonel Frank Seely Academy
- The Elizabethan Academy
- The Holgate Academy
- The Minster School
- The National Church of England Academy
- Tuxford Academy
I’m told that preparation for next year’s show will get underway in January! If you weren’t fortunate enough to attend this year, I would really urge you not to miss out next year.
Councillor Kevin Rostance, Vice Chairman, Communities & Place Committee, Nottinghamshire County Council