Stardust: A Musical Journey
Stardust is a children’s choral work taking them on a musical journey through space helping improve self-esteem and confidence. It forms a life changing singing and wellbeing project for children, no matter who they are or where they live, adapting to what they want, need, and enjoy.
Listen to a short clip of Stardust in our video introduced by Carrie and David Grant, Vocal Coaches and broadcasters.
“There is nothing more powerful than Singing”
About Stardust
Stardust was commissioned by Voices for Life in 2021 and is written by Jools Scott and Sue Curtis. The songs are warm, exciting, and funny, but also carry a deeper message of resilience and hope. It is full of drama with a fantastic orchestration which captures the children and audience’s imagination. The energy of the children is fantastic as they dance and sing throughout.
Project Delivery
The project is for children in Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11) . Up to 250 children from 3-7 schools take part in the project, each receiving up to 12 x 1-hour weekly workshops which integrate rehearsals. During each workshop, we use the story to talk about challenges we sometimes face and enjoy games, exercises, and singing rehearsals.
The children all come together for a performance of Stardust with six soloists, narrator, and orchestration for a 12-piece band plus piano. The performance of Stardust is a life changing one for many of the children; a real confidence booster and an opportunity for them to find their voices.
Stardust schools brochure
Read our schools booklet all about the Stardust project
Schools resources
Creative Practitioner resources
Jo Bird, Deputy Head, Combe Down Primary School, July 2022
“I would like to let the team know how amazing this project has been for the children at Combe Down C of E Primary School. We get to see the impact of the project within the classroom setting –we have seen some of the children now wanting to learn, having the confidence to audition for parts in a play or just putting up their hands during a lesson. As soon as the Friday’s performance ended, one of the children ran up to me and said, “Oh my gosh, I am so, so proud of myself.” The children will look back on their time at primary school and will never forget it. Memories have been made and will always be cherished.”
Stardust, Somerset June 2023
In June 2023, Stardust went on tour to North East Somerset and Somerset with a wonderful performance in Wells Cathedral. Conducted by Pete Harrison and narrated by actor John Telfer, the soloists and several of the instrumentalists from Wells Cathedral School joined 150 school children from the local schools.
Stardust, Wiltshire December 2022
Stardust was performed at Wiltshire Music Centre on 2nd December 2022 with 120 children from three primary schools in Wiltshire and a school in Bath accompanied by Bristol Ensemble with narration by established actor, Jon Monie and directed by Greg Hallam (London Youth Choir).
Stardust, Bath October 2021 and June 2022
The Project has been run twice in Bath, culminating with performances in Bath Abbey with over 200 primary school children, accompanied by Bristol Ensemble with narration by established actor, Jon Monie.
Jennifer Duke, High Sheriff of Somerset
“It was wonderful to see so many children engaging positively with the project –their enjoyment was written all over their faces.The project certainly wasn’t an easy one!I am still amazed at how the different elements and performers fitted together togive a seamless performance.A huge amount of hard work and practice. Please accept my warmest congratulations for giving us all such a very enjoyable evening and my thanks for everything you do for the children of Somerset.”
Child, July 2022
I love Stardust because it is a way to help me to get what I want to do in my future. My favourite song is crabs. I love how it is so energetic and how exciting it is. It helps me with my feelings. I get angry sometimes and get upset by little things. I am trying to learn to control my emotions. Visiting the feeling planets helps me to understand it’s ok to feel those emotions.
We are pleased to be able to expand the project across the country thanks to funding from Arts Council England. We hope to reach out to and help many more children in the UK through this project.
