At the Guy-Lombard school in Ginasservis, the 194 students, from the small section to CM2, came together around an ambitious and meaningful project: participating in the national competition “2,500 voices”, organized by the Arc foundation for the fight against pediatric cancer.
The challenge? Write, sing and film a collective anthem to raise public awareness of this cause and encourage donations.
An express project, but carefully orchestrated
“If we agreed to participate in this project, it is obviously to support this cause, but also to develop empathy and solidarity among students”explains Brice Guinheu, director of the school. “This is part of a global approach to combating problems such as school bullying”.
Each class had its role: the youngest, in kindergarten, worked on sign language, focusing on key words such as courage, empathy and solidarity. Words and turns of phrase which were then used in gestural language during the production of the video.
“If you look closely at the video, you see the little ones expressing themselves in sign language. It was one of our wishes to include everyone”exclaims the school principal. The older students looked at the words of the hymn. The teachers then finalized the text so that it was coherent and accessible to all. Conceived in just six weeks, the project required careful organization.
Two parents of students, accompanied by a local musician, composed the “orchestra”, combining clarinet, double bass, transverse flute, saxophone and percussion.
The slam part, very popular with the students, was supervised by the after-school director. “It’s true that this part of the anthem really appealed to the students, and even if they didn’t care about it personally, it motivated them to write the text”says Brice Guinheu.
Two half-days were spent recording the video, which involved three parent cameramen to film and edit the images. The choirs were organized by groups: the first bringing together students from the small section to CE1, and another from CE2 to CM2.
“It’s a way to raise awareness among our students about harassment, empathy, health and artistic education”specifies the 45-year-old director.
An opportunity to represent the Var
Videos from participating schools are online on the website “concours.2500voix.org”, where the public can vote for free until January 10. The three schools having received the most votes will be decided by a jury.
The winner will have the chance to record her anthem, with a team of professionals, in a studio in Paris. “As a Var representative, we hope that the entire department will vote for us”exclaims Brice Guinheu.
“This project goes well beyond competition. It raises awareness among children and their families about the fight against pediatric cancer while promoting strong messages”finishes the Var director.
To support the Guy-Lombard school, go to the website “concours.2500voix.org”, “videos” section to put the Varois, currently fifth, on the podium.
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