A group of students from Razzamataz Maidstone and Razzamataz Rayleigh were asked to record a charity single to raise funds for Help For Heroes. The group travelled to Angel Studios in London after an invitation from Kathleen Shanks, a composer who has worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber and whose music was featured in the 2012 Olympics.

As a Music Director Kathleen trains choruses for West End shows and operas for Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cameron Macintosh, Bill Kenwright, Raymond Gubbay and Opera Holland Park. She also works for various record labels such as Simon Cowell for Sony BMG and Decca Universal.

The youngsters were invited to record the single with the Capital Arts Choir by Kathleen who is their Music Director on Sunday May 1st.

“I must thank you for the splendid performances by your students at the recording and filming of my song Anthem For A Hero,” says Kathleen “They sang well, behaved well and looked superb. The whole day was a great success and is a credit to the hard work put in by teachers, music directors and all staff.”

Together with their Principals Charlotte Cotter and Catherine Morales, the youngsters had a trip to the studio and made their recording debut with the song Anthem For A Hero. The musical children were invited because Kathleen is familiar with the work of Razzamataz and wanted to extend this exciting experience to as many youngsters as possible.

“This was an incredible opportunity for the students and one that I’m sure they will remember for a long time,” says Charlotte. “Not many people can say that they have recorded a charity song in a professional studio so I hope that this is something that they can be really proud of.”

The audio recording will be featured on the Heroes CD available in October. Each CD sold raises £5 for Help For Heroes.

Having the chance to work with industry professionals is a big part of the ethos of the school as Principal Catherine explains. 

“It doesn’t matter if children are coming for fun and fitness or if they are serious about performing arts as a career, the opportunity to work with professionals such as Kathleen Shanks is giving them skills for life and will be something that they can take with them for the future in whatever they decide to do.”