A song recorded remotely by Donegal pupils during the Covid-19 outbreak has earned a Presidential seal of approval.
The ”Stay At Home’ song by primary school students at Lurgybrack NS has been praised by the office of President Michael D Higgins for its uplifting impact.
Students and teachers were stunned to receive an email from the Secretariat for the President this week congratulating them on their collaborative project.
Written and co-ordinated by music teacher Brighdin Carr, the song was recorded with social distancing guidelines followed. Students sang on mobiles while hiding in hot presses and utility rooms for the best acoustics. The music was then arranged by ValleyMusic Music Studio in Ballybofey. Many more pupils contributed by sending in artwork and pictures of their activities as they stay at home.
“These are difficult times and it is uplifting to see how the children and community of Lurgybrack are pulling together,” said the presidential email to Lurgybrack NS.
The representative wrote: “As recently stated by the President, our difficulties will come to an end. Let us make sure that, through the decisions and actions we take at present, we ensure the health and safety of each other.
“It is very important that young people stay engaged in their communities, and to look after their physical and mental health in these special circumstances through which we are living. The children of Lurgyback are an excellent example to us all.
“President Higgins sends his warm regards to you, the children of Lurgyback and your community at this most difficult time.”
Ms Carr said the email has been a wonderful boost for the children during this exciting week as their song became an online trend.
The project was so popular that they have now recorded an Irish language version ‘Ámhrán Dúchais’ with more artwork from the school community. The video premiered tonight on TG4 and YouTube.
Ms Carr has decided to share the music with schools all over the world to create their own versions.
Teachers are being invited to coordinate their own remote recordings with the backing track and lyrics provided free of charge.
It is hoped that other schools globally can take on the challenge and interpret the lyrics into their native language.
Ms Carr said: “Simply contact bricarrmusic@yahoo.com and we will happily forward the English lyrics for you to translate as well as the original backing track to your school/music group/co-ordinator as well as a ‘how to record at home’ instructions sheet to encourage the children to productively engage in our very positive project.”
“We hope to calm the minds, hearts and experiences of all children during these worrying times, and I want to personally thank each and every one of our wee superstars who worked tirelessly to create this memorable work. I could not be prouder of you all. Stay at home, Stay Safe and Stay Positive.”
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