Bridge students impress Boris Johnson!

Posted by Kate Barry on 10 June 2010 | 0 Comments

Tags: Boris Johnson, violin, Bridge Project, Jessop Primary School

Well, the big day we have all been working towards finally arrived and the children from Jessop and Ashmole finally got the chance to perform for the Mayor,of London ,Boris Johnson. This visit, which took place on Monday 7 June, was hugely significant for the pupils and their teachers. It gave the Bridge Project an enormous publicity boost, but more importantly, the event reinforced all the positive musical attitudes which the students have been building during the past two years.

One of the most exciting elements of the day was not only the large number of people present, but the large variety of people in attendance with whom both the Mayor and the children engaged. About 200 schoolchildren made the event memorable with their contributions to a delightful question and answer session with the Mayor. The Bridge Project teachers playing alongside their violin pupils also made a positive impression, as did the wonderfully large parent turnout. Capturing the action was a large press team, to whom we owe our thanks!

The Mayor was lucky enough to be given a private tour of Jessop and see some behind the scenes musicianship classes, including participating in a violin lesson, before being escorted into the assembly hall. Here, all present were dazzled by the confident and accomplished concert given by the students. Rather than being intimidated by the prospect of performing for a high profile guest, the children seemed to relish the challenge. The Mayor further promoted this mood by giving a homourous and enthusiastic speech on the merits of musical education, within which he created an excellent rapport with all children present, including those in the audience.

According to one of the teachers who spoke at the event, the experience of learning the violin has built confidence within the students not only musically but across all academic subjects and also in terms of personal self esteem.  The Mayors’ of London's visit not only showcased the fruit of this process, but also added momentum to it and created a huge feeling of pride in the Jessop, Ashmole and Lambeth community.