Family have a blast saluting virus heroes
ATALENTED musical family have been serenading their neighbours with their own personal tribute to our key workers during the coronavirus outbreak.
Morris Stemp and his children played Somewhere over the Rainbow on their doorstep at 8pm last Thursday night during the weekly Clap for Carers, wowing residents at the top end of New Line, Britannia.
Morris and his sons George, seven, James, nine, and Leo, 12, played cornets, while daughter Rosa, 13, was on the violin.
And Morris’ wife Alex would have been involved were it not for a rogue gust of wind which left her chasing music sheets!
Morris said: “A few professional musician friends of mine wondered if this would be a good move for musicians, to do something different to send our best to the key workers.
“The idea was that Somewhere over the Rainbow was a good choice to say that there is something after this for everyone. We’ll be doing it every week.
“I don’t know how long it will be before the neighbours get fed up!
“Everyone comes to the periphery of their gardens and doesn’t come any further. They are banging pots and pans and that’s really lovely.”
Morris, who along with Alex is a former professional violinist with the
Halle Orchestra has taken up playing the cornet as a hobby. He said the arrangement was put together by a friend and they are fundraising for the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) because James has a hearing impairment.
Morris added: “He’s moderately deaf. With his hearing aids in his hearing is absolutely fine, but without them it’s much more difficult.
“It shows that deafness is no barrier to music making.
“I think there’s going to be quite a few weeks here so there will be the opportunity to change tune, or add to it.
“It’s an opportunity for any musicians that want to do their bit to support the key workers and what they’re doing, and certainly those putting themselves at the greatest risk.”
All the boys play at the 2nd Rossendale Scout Band, James and George in the Junior Band, and Leo in the Senior Band. Rosa plays in the National Children’s Orchestra Regional Orchestra.
To listen to the family playing, visit Morris Stemp’s Facebook page where you can also donate to the National Deaf Children’s Society.