Birmingham based performing arts academy virtually came together from 28 different locations across the region to perform an emotional song amidst the global lockdown period. The beautiful rendition of Get Here was first premiered at the Big Brum Black Tie Bash online event hosted by Elegant Entertainment earlier this month.
APAA wanted to use the message of the song, originally penned and performed by Oleta Adams in 1990 to try and encapsulate the thoughts and feelings of a nation desperately wanting to be with their loved ones but are unable during this time of quarantine. The aim was to also offer the young people of the academy and opportunity to be reunited through song with other members of the academy and leave a musical mark by way of encouragement during this period.
The idea of the song first came via Tru Powell, the Creative and Events Director for APAA who was asked by Elegant Entertainment to put something together for their online event.
The song isn’t the only aspect APAA has brought to the digital platform. APAA also hosts weekly online singing assemblies for kids via YouTube, delivers their weekly private arts development workshops via Zoom for their students and also hosts their infamous open mic nights weekly via Instagram.
Speaking on the performance, Powell said,
“During this time of lockdown, people look to the arts and the creative sector by way of escapism. We wanted to not only put a song out that would remind us of this period in years to come but also provide a much needed creative digital platform for our young people to get involved in. I really couldn’t be happier with how the young people have responded to a new digital offering.”
APAA is a community interest organisation committed to empowering the lives of young people through performing and creative arts. This is mainly achieved through offering music tuition and providing valuable performance opportunities to the next generation of emerging talent in Birmingham. Currently working with up to 100 young people, the academy continues to grow and recruit more budding stars at a rapid pace.
For more information on APAA please visit www.astonpaa.com