Norwich In Harmony project transformed my children

A Norwich mother spoke of how the In Harmony project transformed the behaviour and aspirations of her children since taking part in the programme.

Beckie Herd has seen her daughter, recognised as a gifted music student, and her son's desire to learn improve in the two years since In Harmony began.

The 27-year-old was told by the school that her daughter, Leigh Cossey, 11, was well above average when it came to music after she started learning how to play the violin with the programme.

Meanwhile, the mum noticed first hand that the concentration of her son Ben Herd, eight, had dramatically improved since he started learning percussion last year.

Mrs Herd, of Cadge Road, North Earlham, whose pupils attend Larkman Primary School, said: 'It is something the school has needed for a long time. It gives the kids something to enjoy and is very rewarding for them.

'They can learn how to read and play music, which gives them that sense of pride that they have achieved something all by themselves.

'From where my children started to where they are now, I just can't believe how far they have come.

'If this school loses In Harmony, they will lose one of things that brings the school together, and the one thing the children look forward to.'