domingo, abril 25, 2010

Could it be magic? Tories sign up Gary Barlow to push plans for X Factor-style singing competition for schools

David Cameron has enlisted singer Gary Barlow to boost his campaign - joining forces with the singer to unveil plans for an X Factor-style competition in schools.

Under the School Stars scheme, children will compete to win the chance to record a song with the Take That star.

Singers, bands and musicians will take part in school, county and regional heats in three age groups, with the winners competing in a grand national final once a year. Mr Barlow said: 'The future of music is in every classroom in the country.'

David Cameron and Gary Barlow visit Brine Leas High School

David Cameron and Gary Barlow visited Brine Leas High School in Nantwich as they launched their new competition

Asked if he was backing Mr Cameron, he added: 'I wouldn't be here otherwise. I support David.'

Unveiling the plans at a school in Nantwich, Cheshire, Mr Cameron said the plans would encourage young people to 'follow their dreams'.

The scheme, which will cost £1million, will enlist industry professionals as judges.

Before Barlow took to the stage, two pupils - Zoe Conning, 15, and Kitty Dolan, 13 - entertained the special guests with their own singing and guitar playing.

Mr Cameron later joked: 'Last night, on the TV debate, I felt a bit like I was in Britain's worst boyband - so it's a pleasure to share the stage with the founding member of Britain's best ever boyband.'

He then listed some of his favourite music, which included Take That.

Cameron is surrounded by schoolchildren as he and Gary Barlow push  through the crowds

Cameron is surrounded by schoolchildren as he and Gary Barlow push through the crowds

He said: 'When I want to be lifted, then I think Greatest Day is a wonderful song.

'If you feel down, if you feel depressed... Greatest Day, what a fantastic song to lift you, and I think Gary showed that today.'

Mr Cameron said there were economic and social reasons for the competition, but most importantly it was 'fun'.

He said School Stars would see 'kids practising together in the corridors, forming bands and getting together in their lunch breaks'.

He added: 'It's my hope that by doing the brave thing and getting up on stage more and more young people are going to be invested with self belief, the belief that they can be something, that they can play a part and make a difference.

Gary Barlow performs in the school hall at Brine Leas High School

School of rock: Gary Barlow performs in the school hall at Brine Leas High School

'But more important than the economic reason or the social reason for doing this is the fun reason.

'Music is one of those things that is just a joy in itself and an end in itself. There is nothing like making something beautiful out of thin air.

'I want thousands or kids to realise that the best entertainment isn't what you download on YouTube, it's the stuff you make yourself.

'So that's why we're doing School Stars.

'I really hope this takes off and that these contests become as much a part of school life as harvest festival or the nativity play or sports day.

'It's as simple as this - more good music in our schools is good for the British economy, it's good for our society and it's good for the soul.'

Read more: Daily Mail

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