Backed by the husband and wife operators of the pub in Colindale, north London, the Worship Warriors – a music group open to children aged between seven and nine at St Mary’s & St John’s CoE School in Hendon, London – has recorded and released a single.
The group was formed by Emily Kolltveit – a church-ordained professional composer and recording artist, with a wide range of experience in TV, film – while the single was produced with the help of Kolltveit’s music producer husband, Are Kollveit, and the nearby Mill Hill Music Complex.
The group’s modern twist on How Great Thou Art – featuring modern rap and dance beats – will be distributed worldwide through The Genepool on all major platforms, including iTunes and Amazon from today (15 July).
Star Pubs & Bars venue the Chandos Arms, is a finalist in the best local category at the 2019 Great British Pub Awards having previously won the best community pub prize at the awards’ 2017 edition.
Creative journey
Emily came up with the idea for the Worship Warriors having observed that many children are interested in the concept of fame as a result of the growing use of social media among under-10s and wanted to give children an authentic experience of what it takes to become successful in the world of the performing arts.
The project, which has seen about 25 children take part over two school terms’ worth of lunchtime classes, focuses on the release and promotion of a single to demonstrate the journey of a creative artist.
Key focus points for participants are vocal confidence, developing an artistic voice, working as a team and commitment.
“This project has been an opportunity for the children to work together, take the lead on developing the music and image of the ‘band’ and support each other in a setting where everyone must take responsibly for the whole,” she explained.
The group have also shot a music video, available to watch here.
