Photos: Clive Barda.
As we observe 100 years since the beginning of the First World War we also remember the hundreds of thousands of men ... who came to Britain’s aid in the fight for freedom. Their contribution has often been overlooked but it is reassuring to know this is now changing with new projects, such as Trench Brothers … which commemorates the lives of minority ethnic soldiers.
imaginative and inspiring... a wonderful synthesis of music,theatre and puppetry engaging young people and challenging them to think about the events of a century ago.
David Cameron, Prime Minister Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/HMDTMusic
Dr Andrew Murrison, MP
Libretto Tertia Sefton-Green
Second Floor 22 Aldermans Hill London N13 4PN T: 020 8882 8825 F: 020 8882 6253 E: info@hmdt.org.uk W: www.hmdt.org
HMDT Music, twice winner of the Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Education is a leader in developing inspiring arts projects, which have a transformative effect on other areas of learning. It increases access to high quality musical experiences by bringing new, relevant works by world class artists to schools and the community through projects which engage, challenge and enrich; increasing participants’ skills and raising aspirations and achievement.
A UNIQUE PRIMARY SCHOOLS PROJECT TO COMMEMORATE THE FIRST WORLD WAR
Music Julian Joseph Richard Taylor
Made possible with generous support from
It gave an understanding and grasp of the impact of war – a huge feeling of pride at being able to tell a story respectfully, giving the soldiers the recognition they deserve. Year 6 teachers, Walker Primary School
An amazing experience – historical, factual and creative. We were proud of ourselves, and our teachers and parents were very proud of us. Year 6 student, Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School
Trench Brothers brings the First World War to life for primary school children through the experiences and personal stories of the Indian Army, British West Indies Regiment and black British Soldiers, commemorating their contributions using puppetry, music, artefacts and cross-curricular learning, and culminating in large-scale performances in each school of a new music theatre work.
It exceeded expectations – the work produced over the project was of a fantastic quality. Teachers, Colvestone Primary School
WINNER OF THE DAVID BEDFORD MUSIC EDUCATION AWARD
All schools will receive:
The Education Zone
The on-line Education Zone offers contextual background information to the First World War with an emphasis on ethnic minority Commonwealth forces, together with over 90 newly commissioned lesson plans, activities and downloads in every curricular subject, mapped to the 2014 curriculum.
[It] has improved my subject knowledge greatly … enabled me to teach lessons in a fun and creative way, yet still meeting all the objectives set out in the National Curriculum. Year 6 Teacher, Starks Field Primary School
visit www.hmdt.org.uk call 020 8882 8825 email info@hmdt.org.uk
The Workshops
Each participating school receives: An artefacts handling session delivered by the National Army Museum; A visit from a First World War Indian soldier, delivered by the National Army Museum; A research tool kit:- students are given specific soldiers to research through an on-line questionnaire, whose stories they will characterise by writing “letters home” from the Trenches; Composition workshop led by range of composers working in different genres to set the students’ letters to music;
Puppetry session delivered by the Little Angel Theatre for students to build their own force of Trench Brothers; Staff INSET Training to introduce all the project elements including a puppet-making workshop; Memorabilia packs of First World War posters, magazines, postcards and much more; A Trench Brothers puppeteer T-Shirt for each participating student.
The Performance
The new musical by renowned jazz composer Julian Joseph and award winning composer Richard Taylor is a chance for your students to perform in a fully staged professional production which is mounted in your school with a team of excellent artists. As well as singing the letter song they have composed and other musical numbers from the work, students will form the chorus of troops with their Trench Brother puppets, bringing to life the soldiers’ hopes and fears, their longing for home, their camaraderie, courage and valour.
It was an epic experience Year 5 student, Gayhurst Community School
FAQ
Who can take part? Trench Brothers is for 2 - 4 classes of Year 5 or 6 students. It can be adapted for Special Schools or Secondary Schools. How long does the project last? The project is delivered over the course of a term. The 3 half day and 2 full day sessions are scheduled at fixed points within the term, with specific dates booked in consultation with each school.
How can we take part? For more information, costs, or to apply to participate, contact HMDT Music on 020 8882 8825 or info@hmdt.org.uk or complete the online application form on: www.hmdt.org.uk How many schools can participate? We can accommodate 10 schools each term the project is running and aim to reach 50 London schools by the Summer of 2017.
HMDT Music … one of the country’s exemplary arts education outfits. Opera Magazine