Performer, composer and producer Jacob Collier (pictured) is Get Singing’s ambassador. Photo: The MU.
The BBC has launched a new music education initiative called Get Singing on the BBC Bitesize website. Get Singing aims to provide teachers and vocal leaders with engaging resources to encourage collective singing among 11–14-year-olds, in and out of schools across the UK.
The performer, composer and producer Jacob Collier is Get Singing’s ambassador and advocate. An arrangement of his song ‘Something Heavy’ will be available later this year as the BBC builds a collection of songs as part of Get Singing, which the BBC hopes will reflect and represent communities across the UK.
Get Singing includes new arrangements of 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. Further songs and resources will be released over the next three years.
Video resources available now 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.
Supporting 11-14-year-olds to sing
The BBC says that teachers and music leaders have highlighted a drop-off for collective singing when children reach secondary school. Get Singing aims to address this decline.
Over the next three years, there will be live performances and workshops for young people, as well as CPD (continuing professional development) for teachers and vocal leaders.
The BBC will partner with singing groups and organisations across the UK to foster more opportunities to participate in Get Singing, including Music for Youth and the National Youth Choir. A research project to explore the benefits of collective singing will also be launched.
Find out more about BBC Get Singing.