The National Singing Programme Sing Up was officially launched in November 2007 and a team from the Institute of Education, University of London were appointed early that academic term to undertake a research evaluation of key elements of the Programme. Across the first three years of the research-based Sing Up impact evaluation, data have been collected from 9,979 children, involving 11,388 individual singing assessments and the completion of 10,245 singing and self focused attitudinal questionnaires. Analyses of the data provide evidence that those children who have participated in the Sing Up programme are approximately two years in advance developmentally in their singing compared to their peers of the same age outside the programme. In addition, Sing Up experienced children have more positive attitudes to singing in school and appear to have a more positive self-image as a result of these experiences.

The National Singing Programme Sing Up was officially launched in November 2007 and a team from the Institute of Education, University of London were appointed early that academic term to undertake a research evaluation of key elements of the Programme. One key component of the UK Government's National Singing Programme Sing Up (produced by Youth Music in partnership with Abbot Mead Vickers, Faber Music and The Sage Gateshead) is to ensure that children's singing development is fostered by adults who have appropriate musical knowledge, skills and understanding. Its stated role is to: 'deliver inclusive, learner-centred training for leaders singing with primary-age children in 60 target areas across England from September 2007 to March 2011, and each project runs for two years.' The workforce development - embracing 'Vocal Force' - draws on principles developed through 'Vocal Union', part of the Sage Gateshead's 'Access to Excellence Music Manifesto Pathfinder Programme'. Vocal Force is working in collaboration with existing schemes, projects, organisations and individuals across England as part of Sing Up. The Institute of Education, University of London agreed to undertake an external evaluation of a significant number of workforce development participants that was complimentary to, but separate from, the Sage Gateshead's own internal evaluation processes.

Do Boy was born after the turmoil of the Civil War but still a product of plantation life in the coastal Lowcountry of South Carolina. He was raised by Mannie, the woman who had also raised the plantation owner, who cared for Do Boy after his mother died in childbirth. He grew up working the fields. Fate stepped in as a teen when he encountered two strangers on a riverbank. When the meeting comes to a tragic end, Do Boy flees. Do Boys path through life now follows an uncharted course, with as many twists and turns as the rivers that carry him to safety in Charlestowne. Over the next few years, Do Boy acquires a circle of friends that bonds as a family. In time, they settle in Atlanta in a large home intent on establishing a new life and business. Another twist of fate changes their plans. Years later, Do Boy yields to the urge to return to his roots. It is there that he learns that his life has come full circle. The bonds of past are firmly entwined with those of his maturing years.