YOUNGSTERS took to the stage to celebrate the halfway point in an arts project.

More than 240 pupils from six schools enjoyed a pop concert at Stanley School of Technology.

They performed with singer-songwriter Pete Shoulder, from Chester-le-Street.

Year six pupils from five feeder schools joined year seven pupils from the comprehensive on stage.

The concert marked the end of the first phase of Stay Tuned, a two-year pilot project that aims to foster talent and creativity in junior school pupils, and then develop it as they move on to secondary school.

It is being delivered by a music co-operative, Northern Recording, of Consett.

Paul Green, of Northern Recording, said: "The reason this has been a success is because the kids have all grafted and worked really hard."

The first phase, which started in May, centred on developing singing skills as well as giving an introduction to modern music production.

Vocal coaches Graham Wood and Kate Bottomley ran school workshops along with choreographer Emma Webb.

Funding was provided by Youth Music and the Stanley Green Corridor Partnership.

The schools taking part were Burnside Primary, Bloemfontein Primary, East Stanley Primary, Greenland Juniors and South Stanley Juniors.

The project also aimed to help pupils preparing to leave primary school familiarise themseves with the comprehensive.

Kay Steel, head of year seven and transition co-ordinator at the school of technology, said: "Each year, we find a project that brings them all together.

"Music is the perfect tool for a bridging exercise."

Joanne Hunt, year six teacher at East Stanley School, said the project would help children continue their work into year seven at the comprehensive.

She said: "It has helped them get over that big step of moving to secondary school, because they have had a look around and worked with the older children."

The pupils will each receive their own copy of a DVD and a CD produced as part of the project.

Shannon Simpson, 11, from Bloemfontein School, said: "The best thing about it for me was the dancing.

"I think it is great that we get to take home a CD of our songs."

Images and recordings from the project can be downloaded from Northern Recording's website, www.northernrecording.co.uk

Published: 16/07/2004