Primary Four pupils from every school in Aberdeen took part in the Big Sing at Duthie Park today (Wednesday 22 May).
Aberdeen Big Sing 2024 is a celebration event that brings together 3,000 pupils to sing as one large choir. The choir performed six songs, including the “Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen”, with accompaniment by Aberdeen City Music Service Staff and Pupil Band, Ashley Road School Woodwind Group and Robert Gordon’s College Pipe Band.
The children have been taught the songs for the event by Aberdeen City Council’s Music Service specialist vocal team. Members of the team have been visiting schools since August 2023 with their time funded by the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative.
Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “It was great to hear the wonderful music from the young people. Their lovely singing delighted everyone. I am grateful to all who took part to make this such an enjoyable event.”
Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice-Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many young people enjoying performing. Music is known to boost health and wellbeing so it’s important to encourage pupils to express themselves through singing and playing.”
Morag Macdonald, YMI Manager at Creative Scotland says: “This event embodies the spirit of the Youth Music Initiative by enabling joyful collaborative music making opportunities. It was joyful to see the children perform so enthusiastically in front of their family and friends and I hope they remember the event for years to come. Congratulations to the teachers and music service staff who made the event possible.”
Heidi (P4), who performed at The Aberdeen Big Sing event, said: “I like singing as it makes me feel happy, Like the song we sing, it’s fun and uplifting.”
Another performer, Thea (P4), said: “I like singing because its uplifting, and when we sing songs like Happy we feel the energy.”
Attah (P4), who was also part of the choir, added: “Singing is good for the soul. Especially if you get to sing songs you know.”
The songs for Big Sing 2024 were themed around joy, friendship and Scotland as music can help people feel good, bring people together and enjoy a shared experience.
Songs performed included the “Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond” and The Proclaimers “I’m On My Way”.
An estimated 3,000 family members and friends of the young singers attended the event.
Photograph shows Councillor Martin Greig and Councillor Jessica Mennie with Primary 4 pupils at The Aberdeen Big Sing 2024 event at Duthie Park.