Elements
Elements is a school singing and wellbeing project based on the 20-minute Elements song cycle by Russell Hepplewhite and Jamila Gavin, helping children explore their unique journeys and the vital connection between nature and personal growth.
“Children are extraordinary – especially their questions. All the How and Why questions. The Beginnings of things. All cultures and religions have Creation stories, and their stories show how Creation is perceived as coming out of the Elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water, as does science in a different way. Children will feel even more extraordinary when they realise that they all really do come from stars.“
Jamila Gavin, Lyricist
Project Delivery
The project is for children in years 4-6 . Up to 200 children from 3-7 schools take part in the project, each receiving up to 10 x 1-hour weekly workshops, where children form a choir, learn fun songs with movement, and engage in activities.
At the end of the project, the children join a professional ensemble for a celebratory performance of The Elements, sharing the joy of music and showcasing their ability to sing exciting choral works to their communities.
Find out about all upcoming projects featuring The Elements on our Events page here:
Past Elements Performances
The Elements, St Michael’s Centre 2026
In 2026 The Elements came to South Gloucestershire, with 150 children from local schools performing Russell Hepplewhite and Jamila Gavin’s musical work. Directed by Sarah Kettlety-Youngs, with a guest performance by the WEMA Cantilena Choir.
The Elements, Wiltshire Music Centre 2024
200 children from local primary schools and BBC Chorister of the Year 2023 Belinda Gifford-Guy performed The Elements by Russell Hepplewhite and Jamila Gavin. The evening also featured Songs for Change, an eco song cycle by Kate Courage who directed the performances.
The Elements, Bath Abbey 2024
200 children came together for the premiere of The Elements in Bath Abbey BBC Chorister of the Year 2023 Belinda Gifford-Guy and the Voices for Life Bath Children’s Choir. Conducted by Katrine Reimers and accompanied by professional musicians.
Participating child, June 2024
Class Teacher, June 2024
The Elements sounded so professional when all put together – the children were really proud.
The Elements was commissioned by Voices for Life in 2023 and is written by Russell Hepplewhite and Jamila Gavin with concept and workshop design by Tessa Armstrong.
