280 Primary schoolchildren create ‘Four Seasons’ themed art and music

280 children from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School (Cannock), Jerome Primary School (Norton Canes) and The John Bamford Primary School (Rugeley) create music and art in response to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

Musicians introduced and played Vivaldi’s masterpiece in school assemblies before the youngest pupils set to work producing art and illustrations as a creative response to how the seasons made them feel.

Meanwhile, Year 5 & 6 pupils wrote musical compositions with the help of composer, cellist and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire graduate, Millicent James who has worked with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra and Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.

The classes created soundscapes, pieces of spoken word and storyboarded their seasons, which Millicent brought to life on the cello and went on to use as inspiration for four brand new pieces of music for a string quartet. The groups gathered for a private performance of the new Seasons at Lichfield Cathedral where the artwork was displayed on screens alongside the performances of the music.

Project facilitator Emily Summers, Bostin’ Creative Arts & Theatre, said “The workshops explored the sights, sounds, smells and feelings associated with the Four Seasons. Our workshop days were packed full of fabulous ideas and creativity. Most poignantly, the project has reflected upon the power of music to tell stories, create an atmosphere and make us feel something.”

Lichfield Festival expresses its thanks to supporters of its ASPIRE! Programme, including public funding by Arts Council England, Lichfield District Council, and its Major Festival Partners McArthurGlen West Midlands, Pegasus Homes and Roxane UK (Aqua Pura).

The Festival is encouraging schools to get involved with future projects by joining its Schools Network. Information from www.lichfieldfestival.org/aspire/about.