Springfield Primary pupils taken on musical mystery tour

Pupils at Springfield Primary School in Sunbury had a music lesson with a difference recently when self described ‘vocal voyager’ Randolph Matthews dropped by the classroom for a day of music activities.

The percussionist turned singer turned beatboxer and general soundmaking machine held pupils entranced as he led them on a journey of sonic discovery, demonstrating the wide variety of sounds he can make – and helping them discover some of their own.

“It was an amazing day and produced a real buzz around the school,” said music leader Hannah Gregson, who organised the visit. “We wanted the children to experience a new kind of music lesson. He was recommended to me by a colleague who’d had him visit a previous school, and he really involved everyone in what he did – there was a lot of laughter around the school.”

Using his unique vocal skills, Matthews began by demonstrating his ability to produce sound effects, and then moved on to beatboxing and using recording equipment to loop sounds to create original music, using the names of the children.

“The highlight of the day came at the end when he got the whole school involved in creating a song and dance routine,” said Ms Gregson. “It was an amazing way to round things off, and sent everyone home with a smile on their face. We wanted to give them something a bit different, and in Randolph Matthews, we certainly did just that. It’s a music lesson none of them is likely to forget in a hurry.”