Rap Rehearsal

Here is a clip of the Merton Young Voices as we rehearse the first rap section of Hand in Hand. We're working to get the words clear and rhythmically accurate. It's also the first audioboo I've posted up all by myself!

listen to ‘Hand in Hand Rap Rehearsal’ on Audioboo

Backing track for Merton's song to encourage and inspire.

I'm learning how to use Audioboo, a great way to share short audio clips! We now have an MMF account and I'll be using it lots as our new projects develop. Here's the backing track to Hand in Hand, with some of the backing vocals in the mix.

listen to ‘Hand in hand with BVs’ on Audioboo

And here is the backing track with no vocals or BVs - enjoy!

listen to ‘Hand in Hand No Vocals’ on Audioboo

Sing Up

Very useful meeting with Sound Connections yesterday on the development of Sing Up. Lots of new material and training coming soon. If you haven't signed up yet go to http://www.singup.org/   The subscription rates are really good value. The power of singing can't be underestimated, as neatly demonstarted by our wonderful Merton children at the Royal Albert Hall last year.

Here are a couple of photos from the recording of Hand in Hand, taken at Crown Lane Studio. L-R Phil, Soo and John, Jessica, Mia and Beeta. We had a great morning ( and I even managed to fit in a Sing Outside session with Young Song Leaders at Dundonald Park! It's all go at MMF...

"Hand in Hand" - a song to celebrate!

This is the winning song that  London Borough of Merton have chosen to celebrate the summer of 2012. It was written by Merton pupils Mia, Beeta and Jessica from The Priory and SS Peter and Paul, in collaboration with the Merton Music Foundation. Have a listen - I guarantee you will love it!

listen to ‘Hand in Hand’ on Audioboo

"The Journey" - exciting Autumn project!!!

Spent a very happy hour yesterday watching the DVD of Pete Churchill's The Journey, performed at the RAH in 2009. Can't wait to get started on its revival as MMF's major choral project this coming year!

Click on the follwing youtube links for a flavour of this outstanding work...
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An Olympic song for Merton!

Just listened to the first mix of 'Hand in Hand', Merton's Song to Encourage and Inspire - great work from Mia, Beeta (The Priory) and Jessica (SS Peter and Paul)! MMF had nearly 60 entries for our song-writing competiton from 12 Merton primary schools. The 2 winning entries were developed with the girls, using musical expertise provided by Phil Merriman, then recorded at Crown Lane Studio. Final result will be with you very soon - I guarantee it will have you singing along within minutes!

This is my first attempt at blogging. Stick with me to find out more about this incredible song!