Tune In

A Lancashire Primary School head teacher has made headline news throughout the North of England after being named as a finalist in the 2006 UK Song writing Contest.

Brian Beresford has been head teacher at Whalley CE Primary School for the past eight years. ‘Samson Power’, the title song from his first musical play for Primary School children, was named as a finalist in the contest, which had 4,200 entries from all over the world. In addition, two songs from his latest musical, ‘Arthur’s Knights and the Dragon’, reached the semi-final stages of the contest. Most of the songs considered for the award were from the world of mainstream pop/rock, so it must be considered as remarkable that songs written for children were nominated to receive such an accolade.

The Beresford family are well known for contributing to Yorkshire Dales music for two centuries, so it is not surprising that Brian is also a musician. He plays piano, organ and guitar and has been known to “have a go” at other instruments too. He has taught at five schools in North Yorkshire and Lancashire, and has led musical activities at all those schools. He has written many songs for festivals such as Christmas, Easter and Harvest. For many years, parents of children who have enjoyed performing his pieces have suggested he publishes them.

‘Samson Power’ was written for the children at Whalley CE School. After much encouragement and support from parents of Whalley children Mr Beresford and his wife Claire set up One More Time Music Publishing in order to enable other schools to perform his work. They have also published “Bethlehem Town”, a collection of Christmas songs for Primary School children. These works have already been purchased by schools all over the country, and teachers from as far apart as Kent and Cumbria have commented, “Musically, ‘Samson Power’ is in a different league. It could be the next ‘Joseph’ and A refreshing, lively and innovative musical that brings Samson right up to date.” This year Mr. Beresford’s second musical, ‘Arthur’s Knights and the Dragon’ was performed by Whalley School children at the end of the Summer Term, and this was also received with much enthusiasm.

Not surprisingly, creative music is high on the agenda at Whalley CE School. Music coordinator Drew Spencer, himself an inspirational guitarist, provides input in four year groups in a subject that is given high priority. The curriculum is organized in a flexible way, giving Drew an opportunity to concentrate on instrumental work, including recording pupil’s creative work in groups of no more than 20. Brian has noticed that his own musical composition work can also inspire the children. He comments, “I also spend time helping children to create music. This includes teaching them the basics of songwriting, which they love. Recording their own pieces and sharing these with others gives them impetus to carry on writing, singing or performing.”

Brian insists that all children, and adults, have the potential to create music. “Humans are born with a pulse that is always with them, and everyone has a need to express themselves through basic movements, emotive responses or vocal variation. Musical creativity is all around us in every day sounds, and we can’t stop ourselves joining in, be it through such things as whistling, drumming a beat on the steering wheel or just by moving our arms in an expressive way. It is always sad to hear adults say that they are not musical because they don’t realize how wrong they are. Teachers should strive to make sure that opportunities to develop innate creativity are developed; if this does not happen in schools there is every chance that people will lose the confidence to create in their lives.”

Brian’s compositions for schools are available via his website www.onemoretime.biz, where snippets of his songs can also be heard.