For the first time at Merton Council the chamber at the Civic Centre will be filled with music and song on the evening of the 17 September, marking the paralympic handover in Beijing.
As councillors meet at 7.15pm for the first time following the summer break, youngsters from Cranmer Primary School, Mitcham will be singing their hearts out as they perform their award winning Olympic song, It’s a Beam.
Earlier in the day, as the flag is handed from Beijing to London at 3.00pm, youngsters from across the borough will sing the song at their schools to celebrate the start of the Cultural Olympiad.
The song was written by Merton pupil Oyeronke Oyerinde (aged 10) and will be sent this week to all the primary schools in the borough, giving thousands of youngsters a chance to practice the lyrics in advance of their simultaneous performances.
All primary pupils in Merton were invited last term to compose a song which symbolised the Olympics. The winning song was chosen by Merton Music Foundation Deputy Director Soo Bishop, for its rhythmic energy, catchy melody and inspiring lyrics.
The singing competition was co-ordinated by Merton Council in partnership with Merton Music Foundation and Crown Lane Studios. Merton Music Foundation organised training sessions in song writing for teachers, who then passed on their knowledge to the pupils. Once the winning song was chosen, it was then scored and recorded at Crown Lane Studios in Morden.
Merton Council Leader, Councillor David Williams said: “Bringing the two disciplines of sport and music together on this special day embodies the spirit of the Olympics and the cultural Olympiad in the lead-up to the Games in London. It is truly wonderful to see so much young talent in the borough.”
Soo Bishop said: “It is wonderful to be involved in these celebrations. Music contributes to the quality of life of so many people, can be enjoyed on so many levels and makes a huge contribution to people’s well-being. Performing It’s a Beam in the council chamber to all the councillors provides a great opportunity to showcase what Merton’s young people can do.”
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