Take the good-will and vision of JAGS Music department, throw into the mix 11 choirs from local primary schools, their patient teachers, add distinguished composer/arranger, Alexander L’Estrange and you have the ingredients for a day of great music-making. Several hours of bouncing, hand-clapping, and skilful teaching of notes, dynamics and choreographed gestures later and he had polished four songs for the concert for parents. Were rehearsals ever this much fun?

But first their own performance pieces. The Holst Hall was buzzing and I especially liked the spontaneous, unscheduled warm-up from over 200 excited children of  ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ before Bessemer Grange, Dulwich Hamlet, Goodrich Community, Goose Green, Heber, JAPS, Langbourne, Rosendale, St Jude’s, St Paul’s, and St John’s and St Clement’s Schools burst into song. In a sea of confident faces and voices, the Goose Green children were particularly impressive with their version of ‘Something Inside So Strong,’ as were Rosendale with ‘Sounds of Silence’.

Alexander’s choices set pulses racing. ‘Siyahamba’ written in Afrikaans, translated into Zulu and then English has become a symbol of determination and optimism. With all the children together humming and beating the rhythm of ‘We are Marching in the Light of God’ on their hearts, it was an amazing percussive start to the performance. Then two –part harmony with Alex’s own arrangements of ‘Oh Shenandoah’ and ‘The Beautiful Simple Gifts’. It was gorgeous and the large groups of parents and supporters clearly relished the buoyant mood.

Caleb from St John’s and St Clement’s said “I liked the organisation of the harmony.” Melissa agreed “It was really good. We did lots of harmonies. It was interesting how he used his voice. I liked the numbers game.” Dulwich Hamlet School pupils appreciated from their own expressive performance of ‘Silver and Gold’ how he taught them phrases with actions. George said “I really liked the way he spoke to us. We learnt the song in different parts and had to be quite patient.” Harry thought it was good the music being from different countries and the way Alex made jokes. Rosendale pupils agreed. Nina and Ava said they do lots of breathing exercises in their chamber choir. “Alex is really funny and out-going.” They really liked ‘Oh Shenandoah’ although the mood of it made them sad.

“If you had to create from scratch the perfect 20th century musician, Alexander would be your template,” says Howard Goodall. We think he’s right. Over 200 ten and eleven year old children from 11 different schools having a great time together making music.  That’s a heart-warming recipe.

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