Children from schools at opposite ends of Cornwall teamed up to sing a message to the G7 world leaders in time for the summit currently taking place in the county at Carbis Bay.

Children from Stoke Climsland School, near Callington, and Marazion School, near Penzance, released a version of Hey Human, a song written by Cornwall-based songwriter Tanya Brittain. The single is one of the 7 Songs for G7, a project developed by Cornwall Council’s Education Music Hub and being delivered by the Cornwall County Choirs as part of the landmark summit.

Angela Renshaw, Cornwall Music Education Hub’s Vocal Strategy Lead, said: “Giving their voices to Cornwall’s wildlife, the children hope that the world’s prime ministers and presidents will listen to the song, consider the lyrics, stop beating about the bush and help to save the planet.”

The 7 Songs for G7 collection consists’ of seven unique, diverse songs, all home-grown, composed by Cornish composers ranging from the age of 15 through to well-known Cornish songwriters and composers. Each song will be recorded through a collaboration with groups of schools, some working together for the first time via online links, sharing their voices and vision for future generations and for the world’s leaders to hear.

The songs in the collection are:

1. Cornwall My Home – an iconic Cornish song which grew in popularity in 2020 during lockdown. This version was arranged, with permission of song-writer Harry Glasson, by Cornish composer and arranger Matt Douglas and made into a virtual choir video by the Cornwall County Choirs.

2. Kids Like Me – a brand new song written and performed by young singer-songwriter, Isaac Salaman, a student of Penrice College St Austell. Isaac is 15 and lives in Tresillian near Truro. He was born in Cornwall but spent the first 10 years of his life living in Tanzania, East Africa. He is a member of the Cornwall County Youth Choir, sings and plays guitar in a school rock band, leads a worship band at his church, and has performed in shows and pantos. Isaac wrote this song about his experiences as a teenager in Cornwall and living through situations like the COVID pandemic. He wanted to make the point that, silly as it seems, that kids like us can make a difference to the world and should be listened to.

3. That’s what Cornwall means to me – a great song composed and signed by Paul Whittaker OBE. There are two videos: a performance video in which Paul signs the whole song, and a teaching video. Paul created the song while working with pupils from several Cornish schools in Mid Cornwall, along with Doubletrees School at St Blazey Gate and Curnow School at Redruth, and it is packed full of reasons why Cornwall is special to the children involved.

4. The World as One – this song was composed by Cornish composer Russell Pascoe and is sung by the Cornwall County Youth Choir, directed by Angela Renshaw and assisted by mentors Cheryl Rosevear, Andy Farris and Kirsty Bailey. It is an uplifting choral anthem.

5. My Cornish Home – a song by Cornish singer-songwriter Sam Casey, from Newquay and now a student at the British and Irish Modern Music (BIMM) Institute, Bristol, and doing a Bachelor of Music (BMus) agree in Songwriting. Sam’s acoustic and soulful vibe will have you singing along in no time.

6. Hey Human – Tanya Brittain’s song performed by Stoke Climsland and Marazion pupils.

7. As I was going to St Ives – a song by Angela Renshaw which is a celebration of Celtic identity in which the six Celtic languages of Cornish, Breton, Welsh, Irish, Manx and Scottish Gaelic, in easy counting choruses, are included. It is performed by pupils of Tregolls, Truro Learning Academy, Archbishop Benson, St Marys CE Truro, Polwhele, Truro High School, Truro Pre-prep and Truro Prep schools. The language translations were provided by the Cornish Gorsedh.

Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Barbara Ellenbroek, said: “The G7 is a once in a lifetime opportunity to inspire children and young people. It’s fantastic to see so many people taking part and expressing their voices and opinions through song, children’s assemblies and through action in schools.”

It’s hoped that a series of massed choir performances will take place across the UK in 2022, when schools, groups and community choirs will be able to add their voices to the campaign. The first host venue to sign-up is National Trust Stowe Gardens, in Buckinghamshire.

The sheet music and backing track are available free of charge from the Cornwall Music Education Hub to encourage participation. The Cornwall Music Education Hub is part of Cornwall Council and is funded by the Department for Education, through Arts Council England.

For more information and to find the learning resources visit: https://www.y7cornwall.co.uk/cmeh or watch the video here https://youtu.be/VPW3V91KgDk