Our weekly visits to Great Ormond Street continued today as we spent time with kids on Koala, Bear and Kingfisher wards.
On Koala ward, which specialises in craniofacial (head and face) and neurological (brain) problems, as well as epilepsy, we met L. She was sitting on her bed making a lego rabbit with Play Specialist Izzy. The sight of Marcus’ Gibson Hummingbird guitar grabbed her attention immediately. “I can play the guitar! I’m really good”. After strumming the strings and telling us about playing a video game at her uncle’s house where you play guitar along with a song playing on the screen (GuitarHero anyone?) We decided to write a song.
L told us about going to the cinema with her parents and making multi-coloured slushies. Perfect lyrical material and what luck that “yummy” “mummy” and “tummy” all rhyme. We agreed that blue is the best flavour. At this point L’s dad returned from the coffee machine, looking astonished at what had occurred in his short absence.
While playing songs for young people at GOSH is a really wonderful experience, writing songs with the kids is something else altogether. Imagination not tainted by self-consciousness is a powerful thing! Keep writing those stories, L!
Bear ward looks after children with heart problems at it was here that we met 6-day-old S and his parents. To provide someone with the first live music of their lives is a privilege that is difficult to put in to words.
Another really wonderful session at Great Ormond Street. Thanks to the Utley Foundation who have provided funding for our sessions at GOSH into early Summer 2025.
