Following the success of the Aberystwyth MusicFest concert, SoundWood launched its education programme for 2002 in Derby - this time boldly incorporating a fresh new dimension through dance. Teaming up with Derby local legend Jenny Hinton and her pioneering community dance group Upbeat the programme brought together four schools from the Osmaston and Allenton area to celebrate the links between the arts and the environment.

Guided by Russell Keable the schools composed a piece telling the story, from destruction to restoration, of the world's forests.

Dancers from across the community, aged from 5 to 55, combined colourful styles from around the world to reflect, through movement, the themes of sustainability and support expressed in the music. The grand finale held on the 17th July at the Assembly Rooms Derby was positively electric, gathering over three hundred children, teachers, friends and families in a carnival of support for tree conservation.

Many thanks for the kind support and good wishes of David Bellamy, Tom Findlay of Groove Armada, Rolls Royce and EDS Derby, The Edward and Dorothy Cadbury Trust and CETA and for the talent and enthusiasm of Merrill College, Allenton Community Primary School, Shelton Junior School and Moorhead Primary School.

For more information about the SoundWood Education Programme:
T: +44 (0)1223 579474
E: [email protected]
Link to photo gallery