Queen Anne’s School ‘a buzz’ with music-making with former STOMP cast

Queen Anne's was ‘a buzz’ with music-making as ‘The Beat Goes On’ took over the school hall for the day. Ollie Tunmer, former cast member of West End show STOMP and sister show ‘The Lost & Found Orchestra’, burst off the stage with infectious energy as he ran body percussion workshops for Queen Anne’s pupils and visiting local junior schools throughout the day.

Director of Music, John Padley welcomed the racket caused throughout the school corridors saying

“200 girls were totally absorbed and invigorated by the complex Brazilian rhythms right from 8.15am. What a brilliant way to start the day! The hands-on experience undoubtedly will have an impact on their learning in the classroom for the rest of the day. A telling reminder of the importance of creativity and music on wellbeing and education.”

Julia Harrington, Headmistress and founder of  BrainCanDo, which provides training on educational neuroscience, commented that

“the science shows that involvement in musical activity increases academic achievement within the classroom and development of the brain.” QAS girls explored rhythm and sound through stomping, clapping, vocalising and ‘body grooves’ culminating in perfect performances at the end of each session.

Young guests from Hemdean House, Caversham Primary, Emmer Green Primary and Rupert House, filled the hall with excited laughter as they explored different aspects of body percussion with Ollie commenting that “they looked and sounded ace!”.