A YOUNG musician has recorded a video of herself playing a medley of marching band songs to bring cheer to isolated care home residents during the coronavirus lockdown.

Zoe Webber was inspired to do a recording after she performed with Saltdean Jazz Band at Sycamore Court care home in Brighton for a 100-year-old resident’s birthday before the lockdown was introduced.

The 19-year-old from South Chailey said: “We were asked to play a 100th birthday party for a gentleman called Cyril in his nursing home and it was really sweet.

“I was planning on going back there to play again for more residents but because of the coronavirus situation they cannot have visitors at the moment.

"So they suggested we do a video and that we take it to other care homes because of the impact the music can have on the residents.”

Zoe, who has been playing the trumpet for ten years, recorded herself playing a medley of marching band songs in some woods in South Chailey as she also wanted to capture nature in the spring time for isolated care home residents to see.

The video includes popular songs including Sussex By The Sea and the themes from the Great Escape and Dad’s Army, as well as Land of Hope and Glory and the National Anthem.

Zoe said: “The nursing home had said it makes a big difference for residents if they can see nature to brighten up their day as they can’t go out at the moment, so we recorded me in some bluebell woods.

The Argus:

“I wanted to do uplifting pieces which would be relatable to the older generation and would mean something to them.

“When we played Battle Hymn at Cyril’s birthday party they were all singing along and you could see how it just lit up their faces.

“I wanted to bring back a sense of community in a time when it might not be so present, and when they can’t spend time with loved ones.”

Zoe has shared her video on social media and hopes to get the word out to care homes across Sussex so that residents can enjoy her music while in isolation.

She said: “It’s a case of chipping in to do what we all can and making the best of the situation.”

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund