Pupils record CD in memory of late priest

Published on Monday 22 June 2009 10:04

BIN the maths books and grab your guitar – the primary school of rock has come to town.

Pupils at St Mary's RC Primary School, in East London Street, counted beats instead of numbers when they created a rock-pop CD in the name of charity.

The nine and ten-year-old rockers recorded the one-track EP to raise money for the favourite charity of their late priest, Father David Gemmell.

An avid Celtic Football Club supporter and leading Scottish priest, Father David passed away in March aged 54 after he went to Spain to watch his beloved team play against Barcelona in the Champion's League.

Inspiration for the project came from class Primary 5's very own Jack Black aka Mr Schneebly figure – teacher Lorraine Lawrie.

Just like in the film School of Rock, she assigned roles to the children so that they could create their musical masterpiece in their band P5 Rock for Life.

Miss Lawrie, 34, said: "I gave them all a job to do, such as managing director, sales person or advertising director and we all played a musical instrument. The whole school sang the song.

"It was part of a school project so they could learn about the world of work and get some life skills, but we wanted to get creative at the same time. It was also a perfect opportunity to raise money for a good cause."

The children were in charge of all aspects of the CD, from its design and production to selling and distribution. Seven hundred copies were made and so far over 400 have sold at 1 each. The song has even seen some airplay – on Radio Lollipop for local children in hospital.

They enjoyed the project so much the class penned 15 more songs – and this week they produced their debut album.

Miss Lawrie said: "I only made 30 copies of that but we've already sold 26 so we're going to have to make more. This one costs 2."

She added: "I'm so pleased with how they've taken to music and it is teaching them some valuable lessons."

Like Mr Schneebly, Miss Lawrie is an avid music fan herself. In her spare time she plays in a six-man band, 14th Goat from the Left, which she describes as "alternative country-pop".

She laughed: "I have seen that film and I suppose there are a few similarities."

Money made from the CDs will go to L'Arche, a charity dedicated to helping disabled adults.

Father David, who passed away in March, was a staunch supporter of the cause.

Following in the footsteps of the late priest's family, the class are helping to raise 500,000 to build a house for L'Arche in Father David's name.

Lorraine said: "Father David meant a lot to the children. He was a very funny guy and a good story-teller. And the boys loved that he was a Celtic fan."