After the project I received the following correspondence from

Chris Bill and Lindsay Allen, the two class teachers,

about my work with the students.

From: Chris Bill, Class Teacher, St Leonard's PS

13.03.01

Dear Robert,

I agree.  Wednesday was a great day and the children were very caught by the setting of the Gulbenkian Theatre and the thrill of performing to a large audience of strangers.  Rather then being frightened by such a prospect, I felt they rose to the occasion feeding off the energy that often runs from a successful collective enterprise.

As a non-musician and one who (even at my great age!) is still nervous of getting groups of children to compose and perform music, I gained a lot of confidence and handy hints to use in the future.

As I said to you on more than one occasion, any group activity whereby children are valued for their contribution can only be to the eventual benefit of their social development.  A large number of my class do have problems with sustaining interest and concentrating on tasks, but the practice sessions and the performance demonstrated to me that some activities can absorb even the most distractible children.

Various techniques/hints that both you and others at the Gulbenkian who are used to performing have already been passed on to the school during a practice for the annual Eisteddfod, e.g., bowing and portraying positive body language.

I hope the festival continues and that this school will be able to become involved in the future.

Once again, many thanks for your involvement and guidance on the composing and performing project.

Yours sincerely,

Chris Bill

Deputy Headmaster

From: Lindsay Allen, Music Coordinator, Saltwood PS

27/03/01

Dear Robert,

I have had nothing but good reports from both children and parents about the experience of 'Sounds New'.  You certainly made an impact and have ensured that they now believe music to be 'cool'.  Thank you for an inspiring few days.  I hope the following may be valuable.

1.  The children were enriched and enthused by being with someone who so obviously 'knows the business' and showed them that music is a living medium.

2.  You had just the right touch - firm but informal, which allowed each child to express their ideas without fear of failure.

3.  The sessions were well timed although some of the 7 year olds may have needed a longer break.

4.  I think the intensive sessions, i.e., two mornings a week, were better than spreading them over a longer period.

5.  The project certainly made the children listen and analyse the quality of sound they were producing rather then worrying about playing the correct notes.

6.  The children acknowledged your faith in their ability to 'get on with it', and responded with enthusiasm.

7.  It was a revelation to the parents.  They are well used to their children responding to a conductor and producing a good sound but have not realised the potential for concentration and invention that each child has.  I shall certainly do my best to carry on your good work.

All good wishes for your future career.  I shall never see a washing-up bowl in the same light again.  I am sure our paths may cross in some musical context in the future.

Yours sincerely,

Lindsay Allen