Platform One students record COVID charity song for NHS ‘Angels’
A NEW charity song has been recorded by students from the Isle of Wight’s Platform One to thank key workers and NHS staff for their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Newport-based College of Music, which works in collaboration with the University of Chichester, teamed up with local performers to record a version of Robbie Williams’ hit Angels. Proceeds are going to the Island’s NHS charity to benefit St Mary’s Hospital and its patients.
Platform One works with the University to provide higher education programmes on the Isle of Wight, including the popular BA (Hons) Commercial Music and MA Music Industry Innovation and Enterprise. Its students joined musicians from the Island’s Symphony Orchestra and Fusion Arts Academy in submitting home-recorded segments of the song.
Platform One director David Pontin said: “This has been an incredible project and an opportunity to genuinely thank all key workers. We are really proud of the efforts and energy of the numerous musicians who contributed.
“Lockdown has been an extremely busy time for Platform One students and staff who all went to working remotely. Students have responded in a mature and positive way and produced some fantastic outcomes – the Angels project will be a fitting reminder of the times we have experienced.”
Platform One organised the project after an approach from Wightlink. The musicians who recorded the song were BTEC Level 2 and Level 3 BTEC students, BA(Hons) Commercial Music Degree students and MA Music Industry Innovation & Enterprise students.
Maggie Oldham, Chief Executive at Isle of Wight NHS Trust and a Robbie Williams fan, said “A heartfelt thank you to all involved in what is not only a beautiful and professional recording but also an enduring gesture that that will be warmly received by all those working in – and supportive of – the NHS as we celebrate the service’s 72nd birthday.
“We would also like to use this opportunity to extend our thanks to everyone without whom the NHS wouldn’t have been able to respond to coronavirus. It is fitting that the NHS, which relies on the support of so many individuals, groups and organisations, has been recognised by a recording project that also has collaboration at its very heart.”
The song features internationally renowned bass guitarist Jon Thorne, and was scored by Platform One degree-lecturers Mark Chettle and Steve Colley.
Donate to the Isle of Wight NHS Trust via its JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/iow-nhs or directly at https://www.iow.nhs.uk/getting-involved/donations-and-fundraising/charitable-funds.htm.
The BA (Hons) Commercial Music is the first full time degree to run on the Island, and Platform One is still auditioning for the course – email study@platformone.org.
To find out more about studying on the degree go to http://www.platformone.org or call 01983 537550.
