MORE than 200 pupils from Boasley Cross, Bridestowe, Chagford, Exbourne, Hatherleigh, Lew Trenchard, Northlew and Ashbury and Okehampton primary schools came together with students from the College Big Band and choir in a collaborative Okehampton Learning Community concert recently.

This was an exciting event for the pupils who go to experience the thrill of singing in a huge group to a large audience.

The event was made possible by Arts Council music education funding and the resulting partnership between the OLC, Devon Music Education Hub and Babcock LDP Music Service.

Debbie Kent from the Music Service led the children for a singing workshop in the afternoon and the children warmed up with different singing and rhythm games before learning a brand new song from War Horse.

They then rehearsed two more songs which they had been practising in their own schools.

Parents from across the learning community filled the college sports hall and were treated to a fantastic evening concert with all the children singing Fix You, Only Remembered, and Lovely Day. They were accompanied by the College Big Band and members from the Music Service — Ben Van Weede and Paul Painter.

Many of the children involved will be starting Okehampton College in September, so it was deemed a positive transition event.

The event was organised by Heather Parks from Community Links, who expressed thanks to Okehampton College for the use of its premises and for its technical support.

Thanks also went to the chair and vice chair of the Learning Community, Caroline Boother and Tania Skeaping and, most importantly, to the children themselves.