MUSIC filled the Hamilton Uniting Church on Monday when students from Hamilton Parklands School performed for the church fellowship group.

The room was a sea of bobbing heads and clapping hands as the students used drums, sticks, and teddy bears to perform a series of hit songs including ‘Wellerman’ by Nathan Evans, ‘See you Again’ by Charlie Puth, ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It’, and ‘Give Me a Home Among the Gumtrees’.

Visiting music specialist, Leeanne Barber who teaches music at Parklands School and organised the event, said it was a fantastic social activity for both the students and church members. 

“It was a lovely social event for them,” she said,

“It was a way to build social connections and community connections.

“The students also demonstrated that they are learning like everyone else.”

The students were split into junior and senior groups and performed a series of songs, as well as had lunch with the church fellowship, read some of their written work aloud and played games.

Ms Barber said the performance was initially going to be a medley of songs, however, she was inspired to expand the focus of the visit after seeing some of the student’s work.

“It was initially going to be a performance opportunity but the room I teach in is full of beautiful artwork and I thought they could take that in to show as well,” she said.

“And they read their writing out to me sometimes so I thought that would also be a nice touch because their writing is very good.”

The Hamilton Uniting Church fellowship meets monthly with a guest often asked to speak to the group, which Ms Barber said provided the perfect performance opportunity for the students in a more intimate and comfortable environment.