BBC Get Singing launches today on BBC Bitesize, providing teachers with resources to encourage collective singing among 11 to 14 year-olds, both within and outside schools across the UK.
Grammy-winning artist, composer and producer Jacob Collier has been named ambassador and advocate for BBC Get Singing – the BBC’s biggest nationwide music education initiative to launch since BBC Ten Pieces in 2014 – and an arrangement of his song 'Something Heavy' will be available later this year.
What resources does BBC Get Singing offer?
BBC Get Singing currently includes new arrangements of two existing songs performed by the BBC Singers: 'live more & love more' by Cat Burns (arranged by Hannah King) and 'Piping Down the Valleys Wild' by Bob Chilcott. Video resources include physical and vocal warm-up exercises, written guidance notes, scores, backing tracks and additional videos to help teachers and students explore and learn each song.
Over the next three years more new song arrangements and resources will become available for free on BBC Bitesize, alongside live performances and workshops for young people, and continuing professional development for teachers and vocal leaders in association with Music for Youth, The National Youth Choir and UD Music (Flames Collective).
Kate Phillips, BBC chief content officer, says:
'I am so proud that we are launching this new initiative, aimed at an age group identified by teachers as a time when children stop singing together. BBC Get Singing isn’t only about music, it’s about having a positive impact on the wellbeing of young people. Growing up as a teenager in such a noisy world is ever more challenging, so providing these opportunities is fundamental to our offering, it’s public service at its core.'
