Grooving on during Lockdown

We may be locked down, but that doesn't stop us from performing!

While in normal times, we would do several gigs per month supporting community, cultural and sport events, we were only left with one option: Video! And not just one, but two (and counting...)!

• And I Will Virtually Kiss
• Carnival De Lockdown

And I Will Virtually Kiss

Inspired by the unwavering commitment of NHS staff, carers and essential workers, we produced a virtual version of And I Will Kiss, the soundtrack to the Pandemonium segment of the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, where our group was born.

This was our way of saying "Thank You", and we are delighted that the video won week 4 of the London New Year's Day Parade Lockdown Competition on Facebook, resulting in a £250 donation to Newham Food Bank, our nominated COVID-19 supporting charity. 

LNYDP have donated £250 to local charity @newhamfoodbank1 on behalf of WEEK 4 WINNERS @2012drummers

Newham Food Bank are providing a vital service to those most in need.

FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN ENTER OUR COMPETITION VIA LNYDP FACEBOOK PAGEhttps://t.co/X3ctxIXWUg

#Competition pic.twitter.com/HqbgktN4Xb

— LNYDP (@Lnydp) May 6, 2020

Carnival de Lockdown

Music is important: It keeps your spirits up and provides a welcome light relief to help cope with the anxieties of a stressful situation.

So we created a second video: An uplifting, high-energy version of Dario G's Carnival de Paris, ideal to dance to - get some exercise and rock away!

It even got noticed by Dario G himself: 

And the crowd went wild! In absence of the Euros this summer, the new video tech is bringing people together. Music unites us too. Play up!! https://t.co/ZWAiTR4pXY

— Dario G (@dariogofficial) May 25, 2020

The mastermind behind the videos is our own Dan Spence, who developed a bank of rehearsal and filming instructions, a method which will prove useful even after the crisis. Dan invested the equivalent of way more than two full-time working weeks to get the two videos out swiftly.

Support Voluntary Performance Groups

As you can see, we're just a bunch of normal people, trying to make the best out of a difficult situation, as do so many other voluntary performance groups, who suddenly have no audiences and no opportunities to meet up, rehearse and enjoy music making together.

So seek out what groups are doing, watch their videos and let them know if you like it - a good starting point is the Making Music Virtual Concert Series, with new releases every Tuesday 7pm.

Thanks to all contributors, viewers, and supporters!