School 'bangers' performed back where they began

James B Partridge, a 34-year-old music teacher from Dorset, has found a unique way to bring people together through music. Growing up in Poole, he attended Stanley Green First School, Oakdale Middle, and Poole Grammar. Like many children, he remembers singing classic assembly songs such as 'He's Got the Whole World In His Hands' while sitting cross-legged on the floor of his school hall. These early experiences with music left a lasting impression on him and inspired his future career.

James's love for music grew as he joined the Bournemouth Symphony Youth Chorus and later the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, performing at the Poole Lighthouse. He describes this venue as a special place that helped him discover his passion for live music and set him on the path to becoming a professional musician. Last year, he returned to his primary school for its 70th anniversary, where he had the chance to judge the school talent show. It was his first time back in the assembly hall since the mid-1990s, and the experience brought back many fond memories.

During the Covid lockdown, James began teaching music online. To keep his students engaged, he created a video featuring his top 10 favourite primary school assembly songs. What started as a joke for his friends and family quickly gained popularity online. As restrictions lifted, James decided to host his first live sing-along event. The response was overwhelming, and his Primary School Assembly Bangers set became a hit at festivals like Camp Bestival and Glastonbury. In fact, his performance at Glastonbury was so popular that organisers had to close the field due to the large crowd.

James is now back in Dorset, sharing the songs that shaped his childhood with new audiences. He believes that these familiar tunes have the power to bring people together, no matter their age. Singing songs from primary school reminds people of simpler times and creates a sense of community. James hopes to continue performing and spreading joy through music. He encourages others to reconnect with the songs they loved as children and to experience the happiness that comes from singing together.

James's journey shows how music can connect people across generations. By bringing assembly songs to festivals and events, he helps adults relive their childhood memories while introducing younger audiences to these timeless tunes. His story is a reminder that the things we loved as children can still bring us joy as adults. James is grateful for the support of his teachers and the opportunities he had to perform in Dorset. He looks forward to continuing his musical journey and inspiring others to sing along.

If you have a story for BBC Dorset, you can reach out to them online or follow them on social media for more updates. James's performances are a celebration of music, community, and the power of shared experiences. Whether you're a fan of classic assembly songs or just enjoy singing with others, his events offer a chance to connect and have fun. James hopes to see more people join him in keeping the spirit of school sing-alongs alive.