Our final event in the Songs of Place Project will be a fantastic performance opportunity in the Ventnor Exchange Arena which will be situated on the seafront in Sandham Gardens in October. Schools that have participated in songwriting workshops with composers James Redwood, Maria Woodford and Jess Ong or the Big Sing in June will be invited to perform their own songs, songs from the Myths & Legends songbook and the newly commissioned music from James Redwood. Students will be singing alongside older young musicians from Medina Marching Youth Training Band, Medina College and Isle of Wight Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Schools will receive a workshop in September to introduce James’ new piece and to rehearse their song about the Island. If we have capacity schools that did not participate in the composition workshops will also be offered spaces to participate. We are limited on numbers in the Big Top so we will only be able to accommodate 20-30 students from each school depending on sign ups. Teachers will need to be in charge of safeguarding for their groups during the rehearsal and performance on the day. We will share a risk assessment and ticket information for parents in advance - tickets will be free to attend.

On the day of the performance the timetable for primary school groups will be as follows:

2.15pm - 2.30pm        Parents drop off with teachers (Fort Street long stay carpark)

2.30pm - 3.30pm        Rehearsal with James Redwood & instrumental players

3.30pm - 3.45pm        Break (bring snacks & drinks)

3.45pm - 4.30pm        Soundcheck individual songs

4.30pm - 5pm              Doors open to audience

5pm - 6.30pm              Concert

6.30pm - 6.45pm        Parents collect