The event was especially suited to primary school pupils with learning disabilities and higher needs around communication. It featured short songs with easy, repeated words. Some songs were adapted with Makaton signing, and others with actions or opportunities to play instruments, in order to make every activity as interactive as possible for the wide range of abilities who attended. A live rock band accompanied the whole morning, with listening sections to break up the programme, so the pupils could experience concert music as audience members in a relaxed setting. It runs in a similar way each year, with thematic songs during the first half and a party with Santa and familiar holiday songs in the second.  Everyone joins in, in their own way.

Comments from our schools:

Isaac and Poppy, Y5 at Rothwell St Mary’s  “It was nice to meet the other schools. I liked the singing.”

Farsley Springbank pupils: “I love this. I want to play the flute!” “I had so much fun this morning”

Fiona, a teacher from St Joseph’s: “The event was really well organised. Dancing, singing, games, meeting other children, Santa, the whole event! The words of one child ‘I really loved it!’ ”

Keep an eye out for more information from the ArtForms SEND team, YAMSEN, LSMA and LMEP and look out for the invitation to the next Singalong in late October. For more information please email joanna.winster@leeds.gov.uk

For more information, including rehearsal details, please see this flyer or email Diane at diane.paterson@leeds.gov.uk

Please note that this is for Leeds City Council staff and retired staff only. If you are a non-LCC staff member who would like to find out more about the LSMA Christmas Concert, watch this space!