Young Sheffield performers beat lockdown with online choir

Young members of a Sheffield performing arts school have refused to let the coronavirus crisis stop them performing together.
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Children attending performing arts classes with Noodle Performance Arts formed a virtual choir, recording a lockdown version of the popular song Africa, a 1982 hit for American rockers Toto.

With 33 youngsters recording their own singing part in the safety of their own homes across Sheffield, the videos have been put together to create the effect of a group performance.

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The students, aged between five and 13, were due to perform the song as part of their summer show at Sheffield Springs Academy, Hurlfield Road, Manor Top, in July.

Noodle Performance Arts's virtual choirNoodle Performance Arts's virtual choir
Noodle Performance Arts's virtual choir

However, lockdown restrictions have meant rehearsals have had to stop and the performance has been postponed until October.

Nikki Johnson, Noodle’s founder and managing director, said: “We were so sad when we had to stop rehearsals and we knew the children really missed singing together.

“We hope the video of them performing separately, but together, will lift their spirits and remind them their friends are waiting for them when it is safe for rehearsals to start again.”

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She said the video would also make it easier for the children to rehearse the song, as they would be able to hear the rest of the choir while practicing their own vocal part.

Nikki said: “In an ideal world, we’d have been able to record a group performance before the lockdown restrictions came in, but that just wasn’t possible.

“We are continuing to teach many of our dance and performing arts classes through video conferencing software, but when we looked at using it for group singing, the slight time delay made it impossible.

“Editing the video was hard work, but everyone has loved the end result.

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“It will also give those planning to come and watch our show in October a sneak peek of what they can expect.”

Noodle has its head office in Hackenthorpe and runs ballet, street dance performing arts and singing classes across the city, including in Beighton, Ranmoor and Stocksbridge.