Videos produced as teaching resource for HMS Steel Orchestra
In preparation for the rehearsals of the HMS Steel Orchestra, Lindsay and Rory have produced some live performance videos of the individual steel pan parts. The videos will be used to support the HMS Steel Orchestra performers during the learning and rehearsal stage of the project.
The Hertfordshire Schools' Gala will be the debut performance for the countywide HMS Steel Orchestra; the group is comprised of young people from St Albans Girls' School, Countess Anne Primary, Purwell Primary, Virtual School, Mid Herts Community steelband and Stevenage Community steelband. The group will feature in the afternoon and evening concerts, performing 'In My House' by Emmanuel 'Oba' Synette, arranged by Lindsay Campbell.
Here's a behind the scenes photo taken at Stevenage Music Centre during the recording process.
If you haven't already, you can view the full gala programme below and on the Gala webpage: www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/HMSGala
Programme announcement!
We’re delighted to announce that earlier this month the official 2025 Hertfordshire Schools’ Gala programme was unveiled!
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Our programme has taken inspiration from the ‘For the Record’ theme, celebrating generations of music making. We can’t wait to hear everything live at the Royal Albert Hall in March!
Let’s take a look at some of the songs our massed choir and orchestra will be performing!
If I Had Words
‘If I had words’ is the French composer Saint-Saëns’ melody from the Maestoso section of his Symphony No.3 (the ‘Organ’ Symphony). The instrumental melody was first given words in 1977 with a reggae beat by Scott Fitzgerald and Yvonne Keeley. It was also famously used as a song in the 1995 film ’Babe’. Our version takes the lyrics and melody back to its orchestral origins in a commissioned arrangement by Hertfordshire Music Service alumnus, Daniel Basford.
When I Grow Up
from Matilda the Musical (words and music by Tim Minchin)
Matilda the Musical is based on the story about a young girl with extraordinary powers written by Roald Dahl, an extremely successful author of popular children’s literature and short stories. In 2010, Tim Minchin adapted Dahl’s Matilda for stage, creating music and lyrics for Matilda the Musical. Thr show was premiered at The Royal Shakespeare Company and is currently on in the West End at the Cambridge Theatre, London!
‘When I Grow Up’ captures the aspirations of what adulthood might be like, as sung by the children in the story. They sing about having the ability to do whatever they want, including eating sweets every day, climbing trees, and going to bed late every night! The song also reflects the challenges of growing up and is an anthem of hope and empowerment.
You’re the Voice
'You're the Voice' is a song predominantly known by the 1986 release of the British-born Australian singer, John Farnham. The song writers’ intentions were to create a song that emphasised the importance of invoking personal agency when it comes to effecting political change.
First performed at the Hertfordshire Schools’ Gala in 2016, You’re the Voice is a symbol of hope and collective action. We hope that some of the 2025 participants may well have performed or heard this song be performed back in 2016, which links back to the theme of celebrating life-long music making.
Head back to this page for next month’s blog post to find out what’s new with the Gala and more exciting content and updates.
See you next time!
Lucy & Daisy
Hertfordshire Music Service
rahgala@hertfordshire.gov.uk
#HertsSchoolsGala