Cathedral reaches out through music
22/04/2009
A recent Concert given by 250 children from 8 Durham schools was a celebration of the partnership between County Durham Schools, the Durham Cathedral Choristers and the Cathedral Music Outreach Programme.
Since January the children have been working hard under the direction of Mish Kelly (the 'Singing Lady') who runs the Cathedral's Outreach Programme. In the process they have learned favourite songs, both old and new, from Gregorian chant to John Rutter. For the vast majority of these pupils this Concert on Wednesday 18th March was the first opportunity they have had to sing in this wonderful and unique building which is their Cathedral.
The children were drawn from eight Durham Schools, each dressed in their distinctive coloured tops, and they sang to entertain friends, family and visitors with a varied and interesting repertoire. The concert was also attended by the Mayor and Mayor of Durham. It was conducted jointly by James Lancelot, Cathedral Organist and Master of the Choristers and Mish Kelly, Director of the Outreach Programme.
The schools represented were: St Mary's, South Moor; Delves Lane Primary School; Shotley Bridge Junior School; St Patrick's, Dipton; All Saints, Lanchester; Esh Winning Primary and Red Rose Primary, Chester le Street.
During their training, the children have enjoyed visits from the Cathedral Choristers, who also joined them for the Concert. Through contact with the Choristers they have learned something of life at the Chorister School but, most importantly, they have learned to enjoy singing.
One young boy was heard to comment that before he thought singing was just something girls did but now he enjoys it too!.
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