Bucket Beats XL: breaking world records with recycled materials
19th July 2024
On 29th June 2023, Norfolk Music Hub, in partnership with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association hosted an inspirational event called Bucket Beats XL, which set the current Guinness World Record for the largest percussion ensemble ever to play using only recyclable materials. The event saw over 1,200 students from 45 Norfolk schools come together to create a powerful musical performance, which also reinforced an important and relevant message around environmental sustainability. Alison Brain told us more about what inspired them to organise the event and the opportunities it provided to teach young people to care for the planet.
Bucket Beats XL was the result of a year-long collaboration between Norfolk Music Hub, schools, and environmental agencies from across the county. The event featured an impressive assortment of recycled instruments, including buckets, bins, and other repurposed items demonstrating the creative potential of upcycled materials in wider music-making opportunities.
The use of recycled materials as instruments for this project was a deliberate choice to highlight the importance of reducing waste and reusing resources in a creative space. The wider environmental responsibilities of the programme were further embedded through a robust programme of activity and practical involvement. Young people were not only avid participants in the event but also active learners about the ongoing environmental issues and responsibilities relevant to them. Through workshops and classroom activities, they worked through the impact of waste on the environment and the importance of future sustainability.
The journey to the world record began a year prior with an innovative idea that brought 9,000 young people together via livestream direct from their classrooms for the Make Music Day Bucket Beats event. This initial event set the tone for what would become an incredible community effort to break the world record that had previously been set years before.
Throughout the year, students engaged in various activities designed to foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues. They learned to create music using everyday objects, transforming what might have been discarded into valuable musical instruments. This hands-on experience not only enhanced their musical skills but also instilled a sense of responsibility for the world around them.
The voices of the young participants highlight the impact of the event and the importance of environmental sustainability:
Willow, aged 9:
‘Being part of this world record was amazing. It showed me that we can make beautiful music and still care for our planet by using things we might normally throw away.’
Ethan, aged 11:
‘I learned that small things, like recycling, can lead to big changes. Playing with this band made me realise how much rubbish we produce and how we can reuse it to make amazing music.’
Bobbie, aged 10:
‘The opportunity was not just about breaking a record but it was about making a statement – we need to take care of our Earth, and using recycled materials is a fun and important way to do that.’
The success of Bucket Beats XL has set a precedent for future events, demonstrating that large-scale musical performances can be both spectacular and environmentally responsible. This collaborative approach has provided a model for integrating environmental education into cultural activity across the board.
One school commented:
‘This achievement not only highlights incredible musical talent, but also further supports our commitment to responsible environmental sustainability through increased awareness and community involvement to create meaningful and memorable experiences.’
The legacy of this event will continue to inspire future initiatives aimed at combining creativity with sustainability. By empowering young people to think critically about their environmental impact and equipping them with the tools to make a difference, Norfolk Music Hub and its partners have laid the groundwork for a more sustainable future.
The Guinness World Record success was a powerful demonstration of the potential to integrate environmental responsibility into the wider work of the Music Hub and its partners. Through the dedication of teachers, pupils and the wider community, this programme has shown that sustainability and creativity can go hand in hand, with significant learning which continues to be shared more widely across the network.
Watch the highlights video to see the event in action, or visit the Norfolk Music Hub website to find out more about their work.
Don’t forget to visit the This Is Not A Rehearsal webpage to explore more news, training & events, resources and research to support you on your sustainability journey. If you’d like to stay up to date with training and resources related to the climate crisis within the music education sector, click here to sign up for our ‘This Is Not A Rehearsal’ monthly newsletter.
