Bus is jamming at Ecclesbourne Primary School | Harrison Catering

Harrison Catering Services was delighted to present Ecclesbourne Primary School, part of the Pegasus Academy Trust, with a donation of £500 at a special tea party to raise funds towards the school’s Jam Bus initiative.

Music teacher Tim Spoerer set up the Jam-Bus earlier in the year following a generous donation from his friend and now world famous musician Ed Sheeran. “I told him about the school’s plea to raise funds and amazingly, he purchased the Bus.” The Pegasus Academy Trust then funded a refit to turn it into the Jam-Bus with “South Eastern Coach Works” and the bendy bus now provides an exciting and unique musical classroom space where children are taught about music and learn how to play musical instruments together. Keyboards, Guitar and Djembe drums are a popular choice whilst learning about the magic of music practically. The bus is a huge hit with the children across all year groups. Mr Spoerer said:

“The children are so keen to be involved both in the lessons and after school clubs. It’s a unique opportunity to see them grow in confidence and musical ability at such a young age.”

During the “Jam-Bus Tea Party”, children from the Jam-Bus Choir, The “Only Djembe Kings” and many other musical acts entertained parents whilst Harrison served cream teas and also provided homemade musically named jams – Singing the Bluesberry, Strawberry Beret, Plum ‘n’ Bass and Just Chilli’n, to help raise further funds.

The children performed songs to parents and special musical guests, local Orchestra, “The London Mozart Players added to the excitement. All proceeds raised will go towards an outdoor musical playground, a new heating system for the bus as well as an outdoor stage enabling more people to enjoy further entertainment from the bus during the summer months and when the sun shines.

Paul Robins, Headteacher of Ecclesbourne Primary School said ‘It was a fantastic event that was enjoyed by the children and parents alike. The Jam-Bus is a great initiative and shows just how much musical talent the children have here at Ecclesbourne Primary School. It was a very entertaining day.’

Gareth Harrison, Joint Managing Director of Harrison Catering Services said:

“Harrison is very pleased to support the Jam-Bus. Through our existing work with the English Schools Orchestra we recognise the benefits that music can bring to children and are delighted to be involved in such a fantastic project.”

If you would like to donate to the Jam-Bus project please go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jambus.