Low Port pupils are record setters

The youngsters now hold the record for the number of people playing African percussion instruments as around 500 pupils were on the pitch at Livingston Football Club last month.

Low Port Primary had previously been given the African drumming equipment by West Lothian Council and Daniel Duggan of Infectious Groves visited the school to prepare the pupils for their world record attempt.

Teacher Susan Johnston said: “The children absolutely loved their two morning sessions with Daniel. He taught us all about the instruments, the rhythms we would be playing and the style. By the end of the sessions we were all excited for our record setting attempt.”

Susan said the noise from the drums did not leave anyone with a sore head but rather sore hands from hitting the drums so much.

On June 2, the class travelled to Livingston to join the 476 pupils and play Daniel’s composition which he made especially for the record attempt.

Susan said: “We had a practice session before playing on the football pitch in front of an official from the Guinness World Records.”

The massive ensemble had to play seven different rhythms four times, lasting six minutes and 27 seconds before the world record was set.

Susan said: “This is harder than it sounds. The children had to concentrate on their own music while listening to everyone else play.

“They had to keep the beat, stay in time and work as one big unit. Everyone played fantastically and thankfully we had some good news at the end of it all.”

Once the concoction of djemba drums and Ghana bells had finished the adjudicator announced a new world record had been set.

Susan said: “The children had a fantastic time in Livingston regardless if they set a record or not.

“However I think they are even more chuffed they are world record setters.”

The school plans to keep making use of the drumming equipment and continue to teach the kids about African drumming.

Susan said: “The class had previously played at an assembly and will play at our leavers service at the end of term.

“Hopefully it will inspire a few more classes to join in next year and we will have plenty of pupils beating the drums.”