St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School in Midsomer Norton was filled with music and applause as pupils took to the stage for a Rocksteady concert, celebrating a term of learning, rehearsing and performing together.
Classes at the school, which is part of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, have spent the past few months working in small bands as part of the Rocksteady Music School programme.
The project gives primary-age pupils the chance to learn real instruments during the school day, including electric guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and vocals.
Instead of being taught one-to-one, children rehearse as bands, with each member taking on their role and learning how their instrument contributes to the group sound.
Alongside rhythm and performance, the sessions help pupils build teamwork, listening and confidence skills. Bands rehearse weekly before showcasing what they have learnt at the end-of-term concert.
Families gathered to watch the young musicians perform, cheering them on as they sang and played a mix of well-known hits and original arrangements. The performances reflected pupils’ growing confidence and pride in playing live on stage.
Rocksteady band leader Angus Stewart leads the sessions and supports pupils as they prepare for their big moment in front of an audience.
Headteacher Ellen Croker enjoyed seeing the school community come together to celebrate pupils’ achievements. She said, ‘The concert was fantastic. It was brilliant to see our pupils sharing their love of music and growing in confidence on stage. Experiences like this help them enjoy music, work together and take pride in what they can achieve.’
Helen Taylor, CEO of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, added, ‘It’s wonderful to see the children at St Benedict’s enjoying music, building confidence, and working together. Rocksteady gives them a chance to shine and develop skills that will stay with them for life.’
St Benedict’s says it is committed to making music accessible, creative and joyful for every child, and the concert proved just how powerful making music together can be.
