B Sharp and Seaton Primary School Collaborate on a Musical Journey

Thanks to generous funding from Creative East Devon, B Sharp music leaders had
the incredible opportunity to work with Year 3 students at Seaton Primary School
during a musical half-term, focusing on the theme of “Journeys in the Local
Environment.” This creative adventure took place from September to October 2024.

Exploring Seaton’s Natural Wonders
The project kicked off with a full-day trip to Seaton Wetlands and Seaton Tramway,
where students immersed themselves in interactive learning about the migrating
birds and eels that travel through Seaton annually. The children also explored the
rich history of the Seaton Tramway, which has been connecting Seaton and Colyton
for over 50 years. The visit was a sensory experience, as B Sharp musicians guided
the children to tune into the sounds of the environment, inspiring them to think about
how everyday noises could transform into music.

Creating Music Inspired by Nature
Back in the classroom, the children worked closely with five music leaders and
young music leaders to translate their observations into original music. Over six
afternoon workshops, the students collaborated to brainstorm, write, and rehearse
three songs inspired by their experiences.
 Sid Class crafted a beautiful song about the cheeping swallows and swifts,
exploring the differences in how each breed migrates.
 Lowman Class wrote a song about the remarkable journey of UK eels. They
were particularly fascinated to learn that only one in 100 eels born survive
their perilous migration to the Sargasso Sea.
 The third catchy tune, co-written and performed by both classes, was inspired
by Seaton’s iconic Tramway and the joy of “electric” journeys.

Engaging the Community
The project also brought the local community together in creating a fourth song,
which was later performed by Seaton’s own choir, Seaton Acapella. In addition, a
creative workshop at Seaton Wetlands, beautiful Reed Base (a hidden gem nestled among the reeds) enabled 20 local residents to contribute their own ideas.
Participants went on a journey through the wetlands, reflecting on the sounds and
sights they encountered, and collaborated with music leader Ellie Walker to weave
their observations into a beautiful song about Seaton, “The Town on the Sea.”
Another workshop saw community members of all ages work with Art Makers Devon
to create stunning willow lanterns. These lanterns, decorated with bird imagery,
illuminated the final performance, creating a magical atmosphere.

The Grand Finale
The project culminated in an unforgettable evening performance, where the students songs were showcased alongside stories about their learning experiences, all
accompanied by a live B Sharp band. The performance was a triumph, with family
and friends marvelling at the professionalism and creativity of the children’s work.
One parent noted how meaningful it was for their child to have the opportunity to
create something they could be proud of forever.