Sailing the musical scale

Marlborough development orchestra Upbeat welcomed primary school students aboard the HMS Melody on Wednesday with performances across the region.

Upbeat manager Biddy Butters said the goal was to spark the imagination of students through sound, while also giving live performance opportunities to learner musicians.

“Linda [Lloyd] is the captain of our ship, taking us on a journey through some different countries, some rough seas, scary bits, and piece tying the performance together,” said Biddy.

“The different instrument sections tie it all together and show the value of being part of a crew.

“We’re wanting to push kids into using their imagination to put the picture in their mind, the different emotions that we’re going through with short, sharp, punchy shows. We just want the kids to just absorb the reason.

“It’s a real privilege to be able to play in places like these and we’re really grateful to these schools that have invited us in.”

Redwoodtown School principal Aaron Vercoe, who joined the Upbeat band for a piano performance, was thrilled to have the band as guests for the morning.

“Our students don’t often get to see or experience that level of music live, with the musicians participating and playing alongside people of all ages. It opens their eyes to different opportunities, both through playing themselves and the appreciation of music in a different sense.”

They performed at Redwoodtown, Picton and Renwick primary schools.