Schools in Calderdale have received international recognition for their part in a unique educational creative project, to learn more about the composition and performance of music for television and film.
Now in its second year, the Lights Camera Score project is a partnership between Calderdale Council, Little People Big Noise, English Chamber Orchestra, Calderdale Music and Bent Architect.
The project is part of the Culturedale(external link) legacy, and this year formed part of the UNESCO schools network(external link), with work based around the global ‘Seeds of Hope’ theme.
Over 500 children from seven Calderdale schools spent six months writing stories, learning how to play an instrument and composing music for film about what their ‘seeds of hope’ were for their lives, their communities and their environment.
They worked with local writers and musicians from the English Chamber Orchestra to bring their ideas to life. This year, local filmmakers sourced through the Square Lens Alliance (a network of animation, sound, film and TV professionals and freelancers) animated the children’s stories and added their scores to short films.
The children played their song compositions live on stage at the Victoria Theatre this summer, with English Chamber Orchestra, and watched the premiere of the films created.
The work has now been recognised as part of the UNESCO Global 2025 Seeds of Hope for a Better Future competition, along with schools from countries including France, Gambia, Haiti and Kenya.
At a ceremony on Tuesday 30 September, the Lights Camera Score – Seeds of Hope project was joint winner of the Digital Illustrations Award, with Calderdale schools recognised for their contribution.
The winning entries were selected by a distinguished panel of 12 creatives, including renowned sculptor Antony Gormley; the artist, potter and author Edmund de Waal; leading journalist and broadcast executive Dame Liz Forgan; RSC actor Hugh Quarshie, and Rathna Ramanathan, the Pro Vice Chancellor of Central St Martins, University of the Arts London.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Danielle Durrans, said:
“The Lights Camera Score project is a brilliant initiative, immersing young people in a creative world of music and film.
“The seven primary schools which took part in the project this year have been able to experience the thrill of live music and take part in creative workshops, taking their ideas and seeing them blossom into short, animated films.
“So many people have been involved in bringing this work to life. It’s fantastic that this has now been recognised as part of the UNESCO competition and with such a prestigious panel of judges acknowledging the work of the project.
“Equally important is the feedback we’ve heard from the children involved, showing just how special this project has been, and the importance of art and culture as part of the curriculum.
“We are excited about the future of the project and planning is already underway with our partners for next year. Plans are being shaped by feedback, including aiming to engage more high schools within the project and create a parent showcase.”
Dr Gregory Boardman, Director – Little People Big Noise, added:
“Lights Camera Score is an important part of our work. We really enjoy connecting classroom activity to the world outside and as our lives become more digital it is vital that professional media forges links with communities and schools.
“We couldn’t have achieved any of this without the enthusiasm of the local council and the schools. Everyone involved is appreciative of this support and we look forward to more Seeds of Hope projects in the next twelve months.”
To hear the Lights Camera Score project team and pupils from the participating schools, watch the film at www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-3gIVnwfao&feature=youtu.be(external link).
All the short films created as part of the project can be viewed at www.youtube.com/channel/UCe1eOBwGQu3mx2goZEV8XZg(external link)
To find out more about the Culturedale initiative and legacy, visit culturedale.co.uk(external link)