Paloma Faith records personal message for Handcross pupils

Paloma had a 2018 hit with “Make Your Own Kind of Music” previously made popular by Mama Cass of the Mamas and Papas in 1969.

And enthusiastic pupils and staff combined online to record the same number.

Paloma said on the video: “I’m delighted that you guys chose to sing Make Your Own Kind of Music, recorded by me, for your project at school. I hope that you are all keeping well and I know it’s a time when a lot of you have been very worried about your family and the future of all our lives.

“But I feel that this song is hopeful and I feel like you can have hope, because we are all going to be fine in the end.”

Paloma sang four lines unaccompanied from the song for the video: “Make your own kind of music. Sing your own special song. Make your own kind of music. Even if nobody else sings along.”

And she signed off the session with a beaming smile for the youngsters and a farewell: “Well done.”

Handcross Primary School teacher Sophie Davies, from Burgess Hill, said: “Every week I lead singing assembly but during this period of school closure I’m running a virtual singing project to get pupils and staff having fun together at this time through music. We’ve all been learning the song at home and recording ourselves singing and dancing. On Monday when all the videos were in, they were put together to create ‘The Great Handcross Sing-along’. 

“The exciting part is that Paloma got to hear about this through a school connection and was delighted to support. Paloma recorded a special video talking to the school community and singing to us. We shared it with the children and families and everyone was so excited. It’s a wonderfully positive thing during the worrying time when we can’t be together. 

Handcross Primary School Headteacher Sharon Bondonno said: “Our school is trying hard to create a sense of community even during the current lockdown and this song is perfect for bringing all of our families together and to make them smile.”

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