A GROUP of Aberdeen school pupils have been collaborating with some of Scotland’s finest musicians to write and record a composition for the UN’s Climate Change Conference (COP 26).
Thirty-one youngsters from Cults Academy joined forces with members of BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra to capture their feelings about our changing world.
Cults Academy is just one of five schools across the country taking part in “Song Sessions”.
Films documenting the project will be released by the BBC ahead of COP26, which is being held in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November 2021.
Councillor Marie Boulton, culture spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, listened to the young musicians and mentors as they rehearsed during a two-day workshop.
Cllr Boulton said: “It was fascinating to observe pupils working with the professionals and in turn sharing their own ideas.
“The music was truly a team effort – which is entirely fitting given the topic of climate change and the need for us to come together in tackling it. This will be the experience of a lifetime.”
Members of the orchestra were joined by its Associate Artist, Lucy Drever, who added: “This series of workshops is an opportunity for us all to work together and to use music as a means of exploring climate change and what the young people of Scotland think about it.
“It’s really important for us that young voices are at the centre of this project and we can’t wait to see what they come up with.”
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The orchestra has been working closely with schools and local authorities to find ways of helping youngsters express themselves through the arts, and do so safely as the country emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pupil Louise said: “It’s been amazing, fun, and inspiring creating our own music and working with professional musicians.”
Fellow pupil Loris said: “It’s been a great opportunity to talk about climate change and involving young people through music. I’ve really enjoyed working with other pupils and creating music with the professionals.”
