VIDEO: Fenton pupils hit the right note to record song with Spin Doctors star

MEMBERS of a primary school rock band experienced life as a professional performing artist with a session at a recording studio.

The youngsters from Clarice Cliff Primary School, in Fenton, recorded a track yesterday afternoon at a Silverdale recording studio.

They performed their version of Spin Doctors's 1993 hit Two Princes – under the watchful eye of the band's guitarist Mark White.

The 50-year-old American is currently touring in England and was contacted to go along and help the children.

They were also joined by Unity programme director Will Sherratt who has been working with the 11-strong band.

Potteries-based Unity is made up of people willing to use their skills and experiences to help Stoke-on-Trent youngsters.

It includes 37-year-old Will, of Stoke, who has been teaching the Clarice Cliff pupils each week about international music and helping them to prepare for their regular performances.

He said: "Everything we do at Unity's Young People's Project is about giving people opportunities.

"I can't think of anything better for an aspiring musician than to have the chance to meet and record with an international performing artist.

"The song is very special and the kids get to record their own version. We have changed the key so the kids can sing it."

Mark is an original member of the American alternative rock band which formed in New York City in 1989.

Two Princes reached number seven in the UK charts.

He said: "I love working with kids and helping the next generation out.

"I have taken a day off from the tour to come and record with the children."

The year six pupils are planning to release their version of Two Princes later this year.

Ten-year-old Alicia Amison, of Fenton, said: "I like rock music.

"I didn't know the song Two Princes but I really like it now. "It has been really good to sing in the studio."

Cat Plant, aged 10, of Fenton, who plays guitar in the school rock band but enjoyed singing yesterday, said: "Mark is a lot of fun to work with. My parents asked me to get his autograph."

Teacher Kate Huddleston, aged 34, said: "The children have all been brilliant. They are so enthusiastic and love playing instruments.

"A few of the children are quite shy and it is great to see how much confidence they have on stage, it just oozes out of them.

"This was such a fabulous opportunity."