Cluny kids enjoy ‘amazing experience’ bringing Burns’ Tam o’ Shanter to life with Scottish Opera
A classic Burns tale was brought to life recently by kids at a Moray primary.
Thursday, March 13 saw Cluny Primary School P6/7 pupils work with Scottish Opera performers on their version of The Tale o’ Tam o’ Shanter.
It marked the continuation of a long and successful relationship between the two organisations, with a three-strong team coming to Cluny from the opera for the annual workshop.
Prior to their visit, classes had been working on learning the songs and moves for several weeks, the visit from Scottish Opera serving to pull everything together.
The youngsters worked hard with the Scottish Opera team from 10am until the final performance ended at 2.45pm.
The day started with groups being organised into ‘home’ positions and learning more moves for the first and last songs which the whole cast sang. After a short break, the three groups worked on their own song and were encouraged by Scottish Opera to create their own movements, too.
Following lunch, the groups showed each other their song and movement then quickly got dressed in their costumes.
Pupils performed their dress rehearsal for the P3, 4 and 5 classes before the main performance, which was held in front of parents and family.
It was a long day with lots to learn but the children were amazing and just rolled up their sleeves and got on with it. The performances had a lot of energy and the singing was fantastic.
There was plenty of enthusiasm among the kids themselves for the day.
Charlie Lamont said: “It was quite fun because we got to dress up in costumes, I was part of the Tavern Crew and I loved the props!”
Emmie Murray commented: “The whole day was exciting as the Scottish Opera people added things to the moves we’d learned that made the Opera even better.
“I liked my costume because it was comfy but I wasn’t so impressed with the headdress!”
Finlay Sutherland said: “I was feeling nervous because this performance was harder than last year’s one.”
Eden McLean added: “I could feel my adrenalin pumping and I couldn’t wait to get started.”
There was a change of venue in store for the event, being held in the old school hall at Buckie Community High School (BCHS). the move not only gave the pupils more space to perform but also more easily accommodate their audience. Thanks go out to all those at BCHS involved in making the switch happen.
The visit of Scottish Opera to Cluny was described as an “amazing experience” by the school, giving youngsters the opportunity to share their love of music and drama with their families. For pupils who, perhaps, are not as confident with academic subjects but have a real talent in creative arts, they can truly shine during these learning experiences.
