On Thursday 20 November, we were delighted to welcome back schools to sing at Durham Cathedral as part of the Music Outreach Celebration. The programme works with over 800 school children every year in County Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland who are invited to perform in front of their families, friends and visitors in the Nave of Durham Cathedral.
The children who performed, came from seven schools in the county: Biddick Primary, Burnside Academy, George Washington Primary, Hetton Primary, John F Kennedy Primary, Lambton Primary and St Anne’s RC Primary.
Each school received support and tuition over the past term from Jessica Holmes and Lewis West, supported by Benjamin Mills (Assistant Organist) and Daniel Cook (Master of the Choristers and Organist) to ensure they were prepared for the big day.
Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral and Director of the Outreach Programme said
"Children are at the heart of our music programme, taking part almost daily as choristers and helping to sustain a centuries-old musical legacy. It’s truly rewarding to work with young voices from all over the county through the Music Outreach programme. Our team guides their vocal development, introduces them to the awe-inspiring sound of the cathedral organ, and shows them how music can positively support their emotional and mental health.
Throughout this term, the children have worked with impressive commitment as they prepared for the Celebration, learning new music and words for all their songs. Their performance was a wonderful show of the hard work they have put in, creating a moment their families and friends will remember with great affection for years to come."
Starting in 2003, the programme aims to give local school children the opportunity to learn music from practitioners from Durham Cathedral, inspiring them with the joys of singing and giving them the chance to sing in the wonderful space of the Nave.
As part of the programme, leaders make three visits to each school over the course of two months to teach the children the songs for the concert. Halfway through the project, schools then come together in groups to practice and encourage each other. Finally, all the schools gather for the performance day at the cathedral and sing for their family and friends.
Music Lead, Morgan Vickers of Lambton Primary School, commented on how the programme opened children's eyes and experiences to different genres of music, saying,
The children have loved the whole process and the build-up to performing today. The musical variety of the Music Outreach Programme has really opened the eyes of the children to different genres of music. Although it's winter, and snowing today - they are very excited to perform Summer Holiday!
Tracy Day, a Teaching Assistant from St Anne's Primary School, commented on how the practice time was vital in building confidence.
Quote from Tracy Day, Teaching Assistant from St Anne's Primary School
The children have really taken in their stride performing at the cathedral - for some children, it is the first time they have been here but they have the support from their families in the audience. The extra practice from the Music Outreach team really played a part in helping the children tackle the pronunciation of some of the complex lyrics.
Tracy Day, Teaching Assistant from St Anne's Primary School
The theme of this term’s work was based on 'Seasons' including The Winter is Past, Summer Holiday, Autumn Leaves, and Winter's Coming. The children also sang a moving rendition of Walking in the Air by Howard Blake, later made popular by Aled Jones.
We would like to extend thanks to everyone involved in making the Music Outreach Programme a big success this term and look forward to the next performances. If you would like to know more or be part of our Music Outreach programme, please contact musicoutreach@durhamcathedral.co.uk
