Express & Star

WATCH: Walsall students share messages of support

A Walsall school community has come together to create a video showing solidarity during the coronavirus crisis.

Published
Students from Shelfield Ormiston Academy have created a video to bring together the community

Staff and students, both past and present at Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy, had recorded a virtual performance of Seasons of Love, from 1996 musical Rent.

The 17-strong group succeeded in harmonising through the screen from their respective homes, with musicians accompanying the singing on the keyboards and guitar.

The project was put together by former student Isobel Higgins and fellow alumna Alex Banks was responsible for the editing.

Creating the video has helped the group reconnect virtually as social distancing rules remain in place.

Isobel Higgins, former student and project leader, said: “We wanted to bring a smile to the faces of everyone at Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy and the wider community during these uncertain times, and to remind everyone of what an incredible impact an education, such as the one we have received at Shelfield, can have.”

Stuart Turnbull, principal at Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy, added: "We have all felt incredibly proud to see this brilliant virtual performance, which has been voluntarily and independently put together by Shelfield students of past and present.

“At such an unprecedented time, it is incredible to see our school community coming together to create positivity and help make a difference.

"Every performer in the video is a credit to our school, and we are hugely appreciative."