Join Together!

The theme of this week's podcast is Join Together!

The song was written by David Stanley with lyrics by Jenny Hitchcock. It famously featured in 'Music is Magic at the London Palladium' (2017) and on the studio album of the same name.  The song is a fitting climax to most Music Man Project concerts. 

Connecting communities is integral to The Music Man Project's mission. The charity uses the universal language of music to free the constraints placed on people with a learning disability across the world, joining them together through song, country by country. David Stanley's  global campaign has connected musicians with learning disabilities in Essex to their counterparts in counties across England. It has connected musicians in England to those across the UK in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and it has connected musicians in the UK to learning-disabled communities around the world. It is a wonderful thought that every day, somewhere in the world people with learning disabilities from a Music Man Project region are singing Music Man Project songs like 'Music is Magic', 'Join Together' or 'High Low Middle'. The music connects them and celebrates all they have in common. The song 'Join Together' is also highly apt for this time, with Jenny’s wonderful lyrics carrying a message which is more important now than ever before as we all emerge from this terrible chapter in our history. The open verse says:

"In times of uncertainty, love and friendship sees you through. Music mends an aching heart, building peace and hope anew”. 

We also hear from former Mayor of Southend, MMP trustee and patron, Sally Carr and from Music Man Project Director, Sarah Mann who tells us about her very own 'Join Together' lockdown project led by her students in Kent and featuring the City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra. Click here to watch the lockdown video of the song: https://youtu.be/AX-5h4ceDzM 

The Music Man Project is a multi award-winning, world record-breaking music education and performance service for people with disabilities - direct from the Royal Albert Hall! It started in Essex but has spread right across the globe! 

To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. 

Devised and presented by David Stanley BEM
Produced by Jon Webber 

The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041
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