Percussionists from the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) recently spent time working with Year 6 pupils at Medlock Primary School on a new piece of music based on the theme of travel.

Sponsored Cathay Pacific airline for its 'Life Well Travelled' series, the educational project formed part of a 'One Education Music Showcase', which saw children from local schools perform three concerts at the RNCM.

Around the World

Over the course of three days, Medlock pupils learnt about composition, rhythm and performance with RNCM tutor Andrea Vogler and students Theo Fowler and Alex Smith, before writing their own piece, entitled 'Around the World', which they then performed.

The project also included a short, specially commissioned piece for solo marimba called 'Take Flight', written by RNCM student Tom Kelly and performed by international percussionist and RNCM graduate, Le Yu.

Exciting project

Andrea told 4BR: "I was delighted to design and deliver this exciting project. Creative partnerships like this provide a unique opportunity for pupils to get an insight into the world of classical music, and offer valuable practical training for RNCM students."

Angus Barclay, Cathay Pacific's General Manager Europe added: "We were thrilled to support this initiative. Music has the power to inspire and connect people, and that is what we aim to do every day at Cathay Pacific.

I was delighted to hear that so many students benefited from this project and thought the finished piece was fantastic."

We were thrilled to support this initiative. Music has the power to inspire and connect people, and that is what we aim to do every day at Cathay PacificAngus Barclay, Cathay Pacific's General Manager Europe

Fortunate

Suzie Thompson, the RNCM's Director of Development said: "The RNCM was fortunate to have a partner like Cathay Pacific for this project and we are tremendously grateful to them.

They have a genuine commitment to supporting the arts and education and for the children involved, this project will be something that will stay with them for a long time."