We were delighted to welcome the return of the Music Outreach Programme, the programme works with over 800 school children every year in County Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland and on Thursday 22nd June, we saw school children from all over County Durham performed in front of their families, friends and visitors as they sang with the Durham Cathedral Choir.
The children came from nine primary schools, from the coast to the edge of the Durham Dales, including: Belmont Church of England; Esh Winning Primary; Framwellgate Moor Primary; Lanchester EP Primary; Our Lady & St Thomas’ RC Primary; Pittington Primary; St Godric’s Primary; St Margaret’s C of E Primary and West Rainton Primary.
Each school received support and tuition over the past term from Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral and Simon Lee, Programme Leader along with the cathedral choristers, to ensure they were prepared for the big day.
Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral director of the Outreach Programme said,
“The Choristers of Durham Cathedral Choir sing six times a week, alongside the Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars, as part of regular cathedral services and special events, keeping centuries of musical tradition alive. We are delighted that the Music Outreach Programme is back after the pandemic. It has been wonderful to see the musical development of the children we’ve been working with during these jubilant music outreach celebrations. It was clear that the children had worked incredibly hard over the school term in order to deliver such a rousing performance, providing their family and friends with lasting memories to treasure.”
The programme first started twenty years ago in 2003, with the aim to give local schools the opportunity to learn and sing alongside the Durham Cathedral Choristers. This year’s event was particularly special as it is the first one in three years, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Year One teacher and Music Leader, Laura O’Dowd from Esh Winning Primary School said,
Quote from Laura O’Dowd, Year One Teacher and Music Leader at Esh Winning Primary School
This is the first year that Esh Winning Primary School has been involved in the Music Outreach Programme with Durham Cathedral. It’s been a wonderful experience, although initially some of the songs had been a little tricky for the children to learn, they have felt supported because of the partnership and all the children have worked really hard.”
Laura O’Dowd, Year One Teacher and Music Leader at Esh Winning Primary School
The children had been rehearsing for two months in order to prepare for the final performance, which involved songs from the biblical tale, Jonah and the Whale, well known North Eastern songs The Lambton Worm and The Water of Tyne, along with a demonstration of the cathedral organ by Daniel Cook.
Laura O’Dowd, Year One teacher and Music Lead from Esh Winning Primary School continued,
“I’m very proud of all the singers, it’s a lovely showcase to have parents, carers, friends able to watch.”
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
