The power of music is rarely underestimated these days as people become more aware of its ability to soothe, heal, stimulate, evoke memories and, of course, entertain.
This week, thanks to Intergenerational Music Making funded by Hammersmith & Fulham, musician and teacher, Mary Gibbs, has been bringing the generations together. Mary delivered a special music workshop for CNC residents alongside pupils from Wendell Park Primary School
A trained clarinetist, Mary is passionate about making music fun and accessible for everyone. As a result, she has run numerous projects in a wide variety of settings, including schools and residential homes, often bringing the two together, as in this case.
It was evident that everyone involved in our workshop was hugely enjoying the event. Mary started off by playing a song that soon had students and residents clapping along to the beat.
Mary Gibbs’ credentials are first class. She studied music at Oxford University and The Royal Academy of Music before extending her training with Spitalfields Music, Wigmore Hall Learning and Open Academy.
When not running her workshops, she has played with some of the UK’s leading musical ensembles, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia and at the Royal Opera House. She is a founding member of Cavendish Winds Quartet.
None of The Chiswick residents has quite such lofty ambitions, but, as for the Wendell Park School participants, who knows?