"Music is everything!" The 9th annual Ark Music Gala

Monday 3rd July 2017

More than 600 students from 28 schools came together for Ark's 9th Music Gala, held at London's Barbican Centre on 30 June. The annual celebration, part of Ark's extensive music programme for schools, gives students from throughout the network the opportunity to perform at a world-class venue in front of family and friends. 

Music is a core part of life in many of our schools, with the Music Gala acting as the programme’s annual high-point. Designed to build confidence, ability and harness a life-long love of a variety of music, the Ark Music Programme offers a wealth of experience for pupils at all levels.

"If there was no music at all, my life would be boring — to me, music is everything," said Victor, a year 6 student from Ark Globe Academy. "I sing and I’m learning the tenor horn in school, so I play in the brass club every Wednesday. Before I wasn’t a very confident singer and I had stage fright. My teachers have helped me grow massively and I’ve learned not to be scared. Singing at the Barbican is a dream of mine. It’s really special singing at the Music Gala and I’m amazed that I can accomplish my dreams."

The theme for this year's event was "Mother Earth" and featured a hugely diverse repertoire, featuring traditional, classical and pop songs. Embedded below are a few short video samples: 

Our Brooklyn / Youngblood Brass Band and others
Isaac Newton Academy: 

 

Can MJ Save The Planet? / Michael Jackson
One Voice Secondary Massed Choir, Spark Choir and Fusion Ensemble: 

 

She’s Like The Swallow / Traditional Canadian
Ark Bolingbroke Academy: 

 

 

Harvest For The World / The Isley Brothers
Ark Elvin Academy ft. Ark Globe Academy brass: 

 

Let The River Run / Carly Simon
Spark Choir: