Hear fresh Summer Sounds from Ark students and artists in our first ever music festival

Monday 11th June 2018
Summer Sounds - Ark Music Festival

Young musicians from Ark schools across England will band together for the first ever Summer Sounds Music Festival, celebrating music-making across the network. The event takes place at Ark Swift Primary Academy, on the soon to be developed EdCity site in West London, on Saturday 23 June 2018

More than 650 pupils from 26 Ark schools – ranging in age from year 2 to year 13 – will take part in the festival. The event brings together local community members and families in a unique one-day musical celebration showcasing the talents of pupils across Ark Schools.

Music is an important part of the core offer at Ark schools and Summer Sounds will feature a wide range of performances, workshops and masterclasses for students and audiences alike. Attendees will have the chance to sing, play and dance along to music from all around the world, and embrace creativity in all its forms. 

Margaret O’Shea, Director of Music at Ark, says, "We are very proud of the young musicians in our schools. Across our schools, pupils are honing their craft in school music departments every day. Events like Summer Sounds allow them to step beyond their own class and rehearsal rooms, and collaborate with like-minded musicians from across the Ark network. These elements of collaboration, community and performance are a vital part of what it is to be a musician regardless of whether you are starting out on your musical journey or pursuing a professional career.”

Students will collaborate with a team of top musicians from around the country and from all corners of the music industry, encompassing international world music superstars, West End hit show performers, top choral conductors, singer-songwriters and gospel musicians, as well the Ark alumni community. 

Music from all aspects of the curriculum has been curated and the programme will include a choir of 250 students, a Stomp percussion workshop, African percussion and dance, ukulele hootenannies and a full orchestra of over 60 musicians from our primary schools. The day ends with a celebratory final outdoor carnival parade of 130 drummers, brass and woodwind players led by and performance group and festival partner, Kinetika Bloco, inviting all audience members to take part. 

The day is an opportunity for students doing music throughout the year to lead on and develop content. It gives them the chance to collaborate with like-minded musicians from other schools, take their learning beyond the classroom, and share the results of their hard work with friends, teachers, family and peers.

Performances run in the afternoon from 2pm-5pm across two main stages plus pop-up performances for friends and family to enjoy. Everyone attending can get involved with workshops and creative activities. For tickets and further information, please contact Alicia Lozano.