CELEBRITIES DISCUSS BENEFITS OF PERFECTING MUSIC AND DANCE IN SCHOOLS WITH PRACTICE-A-THON FUNDRAISER

Nicola Benedetti, world-acclaimed violinist and patron of CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, is joining Strictly Come Dancing champion Karen Hardy to discuss how practising music, song and dance can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing in schools.

Nicola and Karen will be leading their debates with pupils and teachers as part of CLIC Sargent’s Practice-a-thon campaign, a national fundraiser for young singers, dancers and musicians of all abilities. They will also lead exclusive music and dance masterclasses at the events in June 2012.

Nicola says: “Making Music[1], an organisation that supports and champions voluntary and amateur music groups and musicians, supports research saying that playing music can actually help you to feel happier and healthier. I know that practising violin helps me feel more confident about my abilities, so I want to find out if students and teachers think so too.

“I’m delighted to be continuing my support of the Practice-a-thon campaign and I’m encouraging music fans across the country to get involved. By holding your own sponsored event – be it a special concert or just a 10-minute recital – you’re not only feeling good about perfecting your skills but you’re also helping CLIC Sargent to support young cancer patients and their families across the UK.”

Schools, youth clubs or youth groups are encouraged to sign up to the Practice-a-thon campaign from October 2011 and hold a sponsored practice for young pupils to help them pass exams, or even put on a show and sell tickets to support the charity’s work. Schools, clubs and groups also have the option of keeping 25% of the funds raised to develop their own activities or facilities.

CLIC Sargent currently works with two music therapists that have been helping to support children and young people with cancer. They work closely with CLIC Sargent play specialists in hospitals and use music as a creative distraction from treatment helping patients improve social skills, express emotions and relax.

Emily Felix-Davies, CLIC Sargent National Events Manager, says, “We can’t wait to meet up with Nicola and Karen and the students in June and find out what pupils and teachers really think about the benefits of practising music.

“Every penny from each music, dance or singing event that you hold helps CLIC Sargent to support families across the UK. Lack of funds means that the charity can only help two out of three children and young people with cancer – that’s why your support makes such a difference.”

It’s easy to register and get involved, just visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/practiceathon

[1] www.makingmusic.org.uk/our-work/music-and-wellbeing