Balcarras Music Students Launch Sam Fender Rendition for Sue Ryder

Talented students from Balcarras Academy in Cheltenham have launched a moving rendition of Sam Fender’s Remember My Name to raise money for palliative care and bereavement support charity, Sue Ryder.

The song marks Balcarras Music Department’s 20th project. To celebrate this milestone, students are encouraging the community to support their fundraising and help make a meaningful difference to people living with a life-limiting condition, as well as those experiencing grief.

The track released today (Friday 23 October), features Year 11 student Tom Eggelton, as lead vocalist, accompanied by the school's Brass Ensemble. Sam Fender wrote this deeply personal love song dedicated to his late grandparents, written from the perspective of his grandad caring for his grandma as she suffered from dementia.

Mr Dan Armstrong, Head of Music at Balcarras School, said the song’s production has been a school and wider community collaboration: “We recorded the song towards the end of the last academic year, and its incredibly powerful lyrics inspired us to support Sue Ryder. The themes of love, loss and remembrance resonate so deeply with the charity's work, and we felt this was a wonderful opportunity to use the power of music to raise awareness and make a meaningful difference."

“We filmed in three beautiful locations in the heart of the Cotswolds, provided to us free of charge: a field in Seven Springs generously offered to us by farmer, Dan Powell, a lavender field in Shipton, and Broadway Tower.”

Supporting with the production of the song were staff and former students, including audio recording and mixing by Matthew Chestney, who is now studying at Surrey University, videography by Caleb Horne, the school’s Performing Arts Technician and a former Balcarras student, and Ellie Horsey, who also attended the school, directing the drone footage.

The school has been long supporters of Sue Ryder, with staff, some who have experienced the care of Sue Ryder previously, taking on Run Cheltenham’s half marathon for the charity, as well as putting on a school sponsored walk.

Saxophonist, Isaac, said “It was a strange and unique experience playing in the middle of a field, but we all had a great time. We've all been eagerly waiting to see the final video; it's been hard keeping it quiet for so long!”

“As an aspiring session musician, it was such an incredible way to experience what life in the professional industry would be like. I'm so grateful to have been a part of it."

Solo vocalist, Tom, was keen to continue the partnership with the charity through music. Tom said: “I was so happy to be asked to be part of this project. I take music GCSE, and I am planning on taking it for A 'Level too. I love singing!

"It was great to see how the audio, video, and editing works, and I am so grateful to everyone who helped, so that we can raise money for a good cause too."
Mr Armstrong adds: “Music has an extraordinary ability to connect us with the people, places and memories that mean the most. It can bring comfort in difficult times, evoke cherished memories and remind us that those we love are never truly forgotten.”

“If our performance has moved you, brought back a special memory or simply given you a moment to reflect, we would be incredibly grateful if you would consider making a donation, however small.

“Every contribution will help Sue Ryder continue their invaluable work ensuring that no one has to face death or grief alone.”

To listen to Balcarras’ rendition of Remember My Name, visit: https://youtu.be/HXV_pL9hMUo. The song will be released at 6pm on Friday 23 October.


To support the student’s fundraising efforts, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/balcarrasmusic

More details about Balcarras Music Students Launch Sam Fender Rendition for Sue Ryder (External Link)

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