Youngsters showed their musical flair during a noisy day of fun at The Nook.
The session was for children living with the genetic condition muscular dystrophy and organised by the physical therapies team at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Norfolk base.
Muscular dystrophy is a progressive condition causing muscles to weaken, leading to an increasing level of disability.
Seven young people attended, and, after a morning of Easter activities, the children met three members of staff from Rocksteady Music School.
As well as playing instruments, the session gave them a chance to show off their singing voices.
“They were the most fun, inspiring children I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, and I knew from the start there were going to be lots of smiles,” said Rocksteady teacher Jamie Gray, who was joined by colleagues Robert Leman-Brown and Jake Raywood.
“We set the tone by jamming a few songs, and then the children had a go. It didn’t take long for them to start showing their talent.
“Soon it was time to get them playing some classics, starting off with the timeless ‘We Will Rock You’.
“We had children who never played an instrument before playing in their very own band, called ‘The Best Band In The Nook’.
“Their confidence rose, and we played song after song together, ranging from pop anthems to rock classics, all while learning new drums beats and musical notes.
“There were two boys, in particular, who stole the show on the microphones, even rivalling the ability and confidence of us teachers.
“All the staff and children clapped and sung along, applauding every performance and helping cement that rockstar feeling we strive to unlock. It was incredible to experience.”
The day had started with a morning of Easter fun.
After finding hidden eggs, the children had a chance to decorate them with sweets and also paint ceramic eggs.
There were also lots of table activities, including playing with train tracks and getting creative with Lego.
The Nook’s mobile magic carpet, which projects images onto the floor, also proved popular.
“We had a wonderful time, and the feedback was extremely positive,” said Clare Oakley, EACH’s Groups and Events Co-ordinator at The Nook.
“One child, via a parent, described it as ‘complete and utter fun’. They said having the space to sing and play instruments was a first-time experience but something they’d love to repeat.
“Another parent described it as a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and have fun, while another said it was a joy to watch the boys expressing themselves through music.”
