Priestlands maths teacher Eric MacVicar releases song Love your Inner Elephant
A LYMINGTON teacher has released a music single aimed at encouraging youngsters to find their inner strength.
Priestlands School maths teacher Eric MacVicar initially started out writing silly songs to entertain his tutor group and maths classes. However, he discovered that writing and making music had a “profound and positive impact” on his relationship with youngsters across the school.
Eric said: “If we finish up a lesson early, I am often requested to play one of my songs.”
Having previously released charity singles to mark Christmas and Mother’s Day, Eric this time turned his attention to a younger audience with his song Love Your Inner Elephant.
“I did a song that I that I thought would inspire children. I thought it plants a little bit of seed saying ‘you’ve got an inner strength be aware of that’ and it’s something that young children can aspire to,” said Eric. “It’s also a really good way of getting young toddlers with lots of energy to bounce about and have some fun.”
“The song is bouncy and fun but it carries a simple message: that you are never alone because your inner elephant is your happy place and it is a part of you.”
As a child, Eric sang in the school choir and enjoyed taking part in musicals and shows. He later took part in open-mic nights and joined a number of bands.
However, career and family life paused his musical journey until the encouragement of his students reignited the passion.
Spurred on also by the encouragement of colleagues, Eric dug out old music projects, starting new ones and even built a home studio. In 2022 he wrote and recorded festive track My Christmas Girl, which saw him attempt mixing and mastering for the first time.
Eric continued: ”I have only been a teacher for six years but I think I can speak for many teachers, especially those who have pastoral roles, that we are regularly in awe of students who are coping with the most unimaginable, challenging, and difficult situations.
“It is often heartbreaking to witness, but so many students show a determination and a resilience that is staggering. Their inner strength leaves me both humbled and inspired.”
Eric, who has more than 10,000 followers on TikTok, has now set his sights on performing at a summer festival. He said: “On my bucket list is to play at a summer festival – Isle of Wight, Reading or Glastonbury would be amazing.
“There are always families at these festivals and this would be a bit of inclusive fun for all. Mr Spoon, The Haa Haa Song, Love Your inner Elephant and others would make for a fun performance.”
Love Your inner elephant has been released in two versions. The full story version and the dance kids mix. Eric’s music is available to play and download on all major music sites by searching Eric MacVicar. He also has a TikTok account with cover music under the pseudonym 13EMV.
