Output details

Make a Musical: I Know Me

A Project involving composition and/or musical direction for children with Special Educational Needs

BBC Learning Zones (more infos at http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/musical-theatre-production-of-i-know-me-pt-1-6/13692.html) commissioned Gamelab UK to create Make a Musical for broadcast on BBC2 and the Learning Zones website; I was engaged as composer and musical director. The aims of the project were: to create a musical from scratch with children from SEN schools, to make the musical a TV production in its own right, to create an accompanying set of televised workshops to assist productions of the musical in special schools, and provide all resources to be available for download to enable schools to mount the production themselves. The key to the project was that it be tailored to the participants’ capabilities and needs but that it be age-appropriate for teenagers in style and content, thereby addressing this gap in the market.

Myself and one other collaborator worked with groups of children across three special schools. Themes of importance to the children became clear through workshops, one theme being bullying and another how to manage emotions. The resulting 45 minute, throug-sung musical is directly structured around these key themes. Noticeable differences were apparent in children who were reticent to speak at the start of the process, but gradually were able to join in and find expression through the music.

Following broadcast, the musical is available for download for special schools to be able to produce. The project was nominated for a children’s BAFTA in 2012 under the Secondary Learning category, and was also shortlisted for the Japan Prize.

To view the video of the program follow the WEBLINK (http://vimeo.com/40254386) or start the DVD attached.