Train operator c2c has donated a brand-new drum kit to the Southend-on-Sea music school ‘The Song School’ to support the school’s opening of a new class.

The school already teaches the guitar, bass, piano, and the drums will become the final instrument in a rock band.

As well as the drum kit, c2c has sponsored a place for a student on the new course.

Southend musician Louisa Strachan started The Song School after she recognised the need for extra-curricular music activities from a young age in her own life and how important it is to keep students engaged with the musical learning process.

As well as having the opportunity to further their music education, the school provides children with a platform to explore the subject in greater depth.

The Song School’s mission is to provide an opportunity to enjoy music for children from all backgrounds, with approximately half of its students being neurodiverse.

Earlier this year, several places on the school’s summer programme were funded by C2c, which also contributed to re-stocking the children’s snack cupboard.

On 22 August, c2c provided sponsorship for the T-shirts worn by participants when The Song School held an inaugural 10k Estuary Walk, from Leigh-on-sea station to East beach in Southend.

c2c has a policy of helping local charities, and earlier this year it sponsored an event for the Southend-based Gold Geese charity, and an ultra-marathon for The Railway Children charity.

Further support for The Song School was provided by c2c last year when it provided the use of Southend East station and sponsored a new music video to accompany the song Unity as part of Project Southchurch’s Hands Together initiative.

“We’re so excited to start offering drum classes to our students and I’d like to thank c2c for the impact they have had on this project, as it means young people who would not ordinarily be able to learn the drums, can. And for some of them, it will not only mean learning a new skill, but also joining our community and finding connections and friendships with other young people.”

Louisa Strachan, The Song School’s Founder and Director

“We at c2c are always looking for new ways to help our local communities and our partnership with The Song School is one we are very proud of. Being able to provide a place for a child at the school, as well as giving young minds an opportunity to discover a new musical outlet, showcases our dedication to our communities.

Rob Mullen, c2c’s Managing Director