HOW do you teach 300 children a medley of new songs for a major evening concert -- in just six hours? That was the tough challenge for teachers at Bolton's Schools' music Association this weekend as 15 schools converged at Victoria Hall for what was described as "the best music event of the year" -- the Millennium Sing Day. Sue Wilding, music teacher from St Peter's C of E Primary at Farnworth had the task of training the seven to 11-year-olds a full musical proramme, without words or music!

With more than 1,000 parents and guests due turn up at 7pm, the pressure was on to shape up the enthusiastic youngsters.

Sue, a music co-ordinator for the SMA, said: "It certainly fills you with adrenalin. But it's excitement that I feel most -- and joy."

The children threw themselves into the project with amazing gusto as Simon Hunt, Carolyn Baxendale and Jane Hampson from the association pitched in tune up the young choir.

Sue explained: "We have the opportunity to create a musical experience that not only teaches the children but produces something very special for the audience."

The Sing Day idea, to put together a concert in a limited time span, started in 1996 after the death of vice-chairman of the SMA , 28-year-old Jane Diesler.

Her death, from cancer, sparked a huge charity concert for Cancer Relief .

Saturday night's Millennium concert, which included a 21st Century Song written by Sue Wilding, who also compered the evening, raised money for the Children's Hospital Appeal Trust to equip ambulances with life-saving machinery.

Liz Forrest, spokeswoman for SMA said: "It is simply the best music event of the year. We all have great fun. The children are fantastically enthusiastic."

Within hours, the children were creating a wall of sound before being taught songs which they learn from memory.

Sue Wilding explained: "They get a lot of fun and they get to work in a team. They also learn to follow instructions and get a real sense of achievement. They take something away with them which is amazing."

Supporting guests on the night included the Bolton Youth Recorder Consort, the Smithills School Samba Band, the Gamelan Orchestra and the Teachers' Choir. We have never had any embarrassing experiences yet," Sue explained. "No one's ever been ill on stage. The children always rise to the challenge."

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