Primary Schools' Singing Project

Since 2012, our flagship Chorister Outreach programme has given children from Norfolk primary schools the chance to explore the craft of singing and find their voice in a unique performance at Norwich cathedral. 

Aims

The project aims to provide local primary school children in years 5 and 6 the opportunity to get together to sing and perform in the beautiful setting of Norwich Cathedral. 

Background

The Primary Schools’ Singing Project is a joint venture run on behalf of Norwich Cathedral and Norwich School. This project, aimed at years 5 and 6, has been running since 2012. Around 30 children per school take part and it is completely free for the schools involved, with all the materials provided.

Resources

The Head of Vocal Studies at Norwich School, who is also a professional soprano and conductor, visits three schools a term alongside some A-Level Music pupils and Cathedral Choristers.  Each school receives two visits for an hour long vocal workshop and the termly project culminates with all three schools coming together to perform in a concert at Norwich Cathedral.  As part of the concert, the Cathedral Choir itself performs for the children and there is an organ demonstration by the Master of Music at the cathedral and the organ scholar - which is great fun.

Impact

The project has visited over 25 schools so far and the feedback has been incredibly positive from the schools involved.  

“I wanted to say thank you for giving the opportunity to our school to perform in the wonderful Norwich Cathedral with the choristers as part of the Primary School’s Singing Project.

The children greatly enjoyed the experience to sing as a choir in the Cathedral. The parents were full of praise, several moved to tears!

The children and teachers worked hard to learn the songs and practise them both in school and at home, finally performing in front of the school on Tuesday.

Our school believe it has been a wonderful project and we would dearly like to be involved again in any future projects you may lead.”

Frequency

The project has been running since 2012 and in 2016/17 eight local schools took part.