An exciting event  took place on the grounds of Newminster Middle School on Monday 15th May 2023 that brought together many Morpeth schools to showcase and enjoy their musical talents.

The event (Morpeth’s One Big Performance), supported by Music Partnership North, involved twelve schools from the Morpeth Partnership (Firsts, Middles and High School) and over 400 children. Morpeth’s One Big Performance event was held in a large marquee on the Newminster Middle School field on Monday 15th May 2023.

The objective of the day was to inspire young musicians by enabling them to see the journey of a musician from beginning to play an instrument to demonstrating what they can achieve with practice!

Each school performed to each other, and there were joint activities throughout the day that involved all children in a massed ceilidh and choir, body percussion fun and a quiz.

Morpeth’s One Big Performance provided a wonderful partnership experience for all involved through the opportunity to make music as a community.

Quotes from children who attend Morpeth’s One Big Performance –

Year 3 pupils –

I loved singing and watching everyone else to see what they were learning in school – Oscar

I loved seeing how talented everyone was and learning facts from the quiz – Theia

I loved dancing with everyone at the Ceilidh – Leila

I liked being together with lots of different schools – Oliver

Year 4 pupils –

“It was fun to watch other schools perform and it was a chance in a lifetime to perform to all the other schools” – Oscar

“I enjoyed every part of it. It was fun and exciting! At first I felt nervous about performing but then I felt great!” – Harry

” It was great to meet other schools and I enjoyed watching their show!” – Anais

“I enjoyed listening to everyone’s music and meeting new friends!” – Esme

” It was a fantastic opportunity to share with other schools what we could do and what we have all learnt in music this year with our specialist teachers “ – Sophia

Charlotte Jones, Curriculum Leader of the Creative Arts at Newminster Middle School, who was one of the organisers of the event said –

“It was a very special day which combined a love of music with our community. The pupils who performed were a credit to their schools and the talent on show was incredible! I loved seeing all of the smiling faces at the event! We are already thinking about the next one!”

Richard Johnstone, Deputy Lead Officer for Music Partnership North, who was another one of the organisers of the event said –

“The event itself was a wonderful example of the Music Hub and schools working together in partnership to produce this event. The impact on the students and the talent shown in the performances was very special and it touched me by how committed the students were and the sheer enjoyment on their faces of performing! We are already  thinking about next year.”

Schools involved in Morpeth’s One Big Performance –

Cambo First First School

Collingwood School

Abbeyfields First School

Stobhillgate First School

St Roberts First School

Tritlington First School

Morpeth First School

Stannington First School

All Saints First School

Chantry Middle School

Newminster Middle School

King Edward VI