We were delighted to welcome back the Music Outreach Programme this summer. The programme works with over 800 school children every year in County Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland and on Thursday 20 June, we saw school children from all over County Durham perform in front of their families, friends and visitors in the Nave of Durham Cathedral.
The children came from eight schools in the county; Belmont C of E Primary School, Coxhoe Primary School, Framwellgate Moor Primary School, Greenland Primary School, Our Lady and St Thomas Primary School, Sedgefield Hardwick Primary School, St Michael’s Primary School and West Rainton Primary School.
Each school received support and tuition over the past term from Simon Lee, Programme Leader, and Jessica Holmes, supported by Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist, and Joseph Beech, Sub-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,
“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. It has been wonderful to see the musical development of the children we’ve been working with during these jubilant music outreach celebrations.”
Starting in 2003, the programme aims to give local school children the opportunity to learn and sing alongside Durham Cathedral Choristers. The programme helps to inspire school children with the joys of singing and give them the chance to sing in the wonderful space of Durham Cathedral.
The programme works by making three visits to each school to teach the children the songs for the concert. Halfway through the project, schools come together in groups to practice together. Then all the schools come together for the performance day at the cathedral and sing for their family and friends.
Daniel Cook continued,
"Seeing the excitement in the eyes of the children as they made music in this very special place which has resounded to the voices of children for over a thousand years was deeply moving. 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 children had been rehearsing for two months in order to prepare for the final performance, which involved songs including 'Touch the Sky' from Brave, and 'Here Comes The Sun' by George Harrison.
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
