A world-renowned percussionist has made a special guest appearance in a new music video for the pupils of an Aberdeen school.
Dame Evelyn Glennie composed a new piece for her appearance on Orchard Brae School’s latest episode of The Trash Band.
The weekly lockdown episodes have been masterminded by music therapist Emmeline McCracken and percussion specialist Keith Bell.
Each episode incorporate singing, dancing, drama and Makaton signing as well as trash instruments, created using everyday objects.
The latest instalment sees the pair take to the high seas on a pirate ship with Dame Evelyn – who has ben profoundly deaf since she was a child – featuring in several excerpts.
Aberdeen-born Dame Evelyn said: “There is no better physical and mental activity than to participate and share in sound creation.
“Letting our imagination run free to create a sound picture is fun and full of discovery.
“Trash Band has struck the perfect chord. They embrace the importance of making sure music and sound creation is accessible to all our special children, enriching their creative minds and precious lives”.
Dame Evelyn has a rich history with the school.
In 2019, the elder brother of one of Orchard Brae’s nursery pupil’s wrote a blog for Dame Evelyn speaking about the influence her music had on him as well as the effect music therapy has had on his younger brother.
Since then, the Scottish artist has been a supporter of Orchard Brae and its work.
Councillor John Wheeler, education operational delivery convener, said: “This is a great initiative by Emmeline and Keith and all at Orchard Brae.
“It really shows how music participation can bring children and young people together, even in these challenging times.
“I’d like to offer my congratulations to everyone on such a wonderful video and, of course, my sincere thanks go to Dame Evelyn for her marvellous support of the project.”
