Children at our RAF Association nurseries in Odiham, Digby and Cranwell have been treated to a live rendition of Carnival of the Animals by members of RAF Music Services.
The RAF Salon Orchestra commemorated the 100th anniversary of the death of composer Camille Saint-Saëns with performances of his famous Carnival of the Animals suite.
Children at the nurseries learnt about the music before the musicians visited, created costumes, and thought about dances and movement while pretending to be the animals.
Judith Chinnery of RAFA Kidz commented on the recent performances saying:
“We were really keen to get involved with the orchestra. Children at Cranwell often hear band practice so it was great to introduce them to a closer view of some of the instruments. It has also introduced them to a different genre of music. Some of the children and staff explored the idea of carnival as well, even decorating their big pram as a ‘float’ for the babies. We’ve been able to invite parents along too, so it’s been great for them to join in with an activity again after so long.
“It has been a good opportunity to meet serving RAF personnel and find out about their roles and also to involve the station in these events. We want to continue this partnership and we hope they’ll come back and do another piece of music with us.”
Flight Sergeant Neil Chapman, Media and Communications Officer, RAF Music said:
“Saint-Saens’ anniversary inspired us to engage with the RAFA Kidz and RAFA Kidzone Nurseries. As the Carnival of the Animals is such a great piece, we knew staff and children alike would enjoy these live performances.
“It was amazing to see the reaction when the double bass started playing. The children were wide eyed and beaming throughout the performance. To see the babies crawling up to touch the instrument and feel the vibrations as it was played was incredible.”
Sergeant Henry Eastburn-Pentreath, Leader of the RAF Salon Orchestra continued:
“It was great to take live music into the RAFA Kidz and Kidzone Nurseries. To see how the music had inspired artwork and movement was amazing, I hope we can do this again!
“Seeing the look on the children’s faces when we started playing was fantastic. There is nothing better than live music to entertain and inspire at any age!”
You can see how well the RAF Salon Orchestra was received at RAFA Kidzone Cranwell in the video below.
Carnival of the Animals by members of RAF Music Services
RAFA Kidz
RAFA Kidz and RAFA Kidzone nurseries deliver affordable and nurturing early years childcare in a welcoming and safe environment. All children attending a nursery enjoy fun and educational activities along with tasty, nutritious food delivered by caring and knowledgeable employees.
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