More than 700 primary school children from across Wokingham took part in two concerts at The Hexagon in Reading last week under the auspices of WASMA (Wokingham Area School Music Association).
This year’s show, in front of audiences of more than 2,000 family, friends and invited guests, was titled ‘It Takes Two’, and was inspired by famous duos – some from the world of stage and screen, and others from the realms of science and innovation.
The songs celebrated significant partnerships between spouses, siblings and friends, which have produced groundbreaking work and shown the benefits of collaboration.
It included references to several famous song writing duos, as well as dance partnerships and comedy double acts. In short, the concerts proved that two heads are often better than one.
Whilst the main focus of the shows was on the joy of singing as part of a large choir, the performances also featured drama and dance.
In addition, children had the opportunity to play percussion instruments and some were chosen to sing solos.
WASMA has continued its decades-long tradition of enabling children to take part in a full- blown concert, staged in a full-size theatre and accompanied by professional musicians – an experience they will remember for many years to come.
Many of the school staff accompanying the children, as well as several parents in the audience, had performed in previous WASMA productions.
WASMA, now in its 78th year, has grown from a handful of schools in Wokingham town to an organisation providing opportunities for primary schools across the whole of Wokingham Borough.
The WASMA events are a partnership between the Council and schools, with the support of Berkshire Music Trust and local Rotary clubs.
Performers included children from All Saints, Colleton, Emmbrook Junior, Finchampstead, Gorse Ride Junior, Hawkedon, Highwood, Keep Hatch, Montague Park, Oaklands Junior, Polehampton Junior, Rivermead, Sonning, St Dominic Savio, St Nicholas Hurst, Alder Grove, Bearwood, Beechwood, Charvil Piggott, Coombes, Earley St Peter’s, Farley Hill, Grazeley, Hawthorns, Radstock, Loddon, Nine Mile Ride, St Cecilia’s, St Paul’[s Junior, Whiteknights and Willow Bank Junior.
