Norfolk students sing together

Gospel, Christmas and African songs are just some of the music that pupils from Norfolk will be learning about a special music event.

Students from Taverham Hall School will be hosting their annual Singing Day on Monday and have invited singers from a variety of local primary and middle schools to join them.

Leading the event is William Drew-Batty, director of music at the school, and he said: 'It's to promote singing in the community and to get young people involved in singing in big ensembles.'

Each school will come along with a prepared piece to perform for each other and their parents in a concert at the end of the day. Currently five other schools are taking part with a total of 180 pupils involved.

Mr Drew-Batty said: 'Throughout the day they will be working on three new pieces, singing together and learning technique. It's a mixture of stuff. We look at reflective songs, in particular a reflective Christmas song, a jolly African song and a gospel song. We will also listen to a range of other music that the other choirs are going to bring along. It should be a very exciting day with a whole range of different music.'

Proud of Taverham Hall School's strong choral tradition, Mr Drew-Batty explains why he thinks singing is important.

'Singing in this school has always been very important. I feel very strongly that singing is good for everyone to get involved with but also it gives you a feeling of wellbeing and that's proven. 'Within a school, where you have a strong singing tradition, it is also proven academic success goes hand in hand with that,' he said.

'If you can get people singing then you get people involved and enjoying listening to music or playing perhaps. It's just a great way of promoting music generally.'

The other schools that are taking part from the Norwich area are Drayton Junior, Bluebell Primary, in Lovelace Road, Mile Cross Primary and Valley Primary, in Gentry Place, along with Saxlingham Primary.

Assisting the event is visiting vocal coach Lisa Cassidy.

If your school would like to get involved with future singing events at Taverham Hall School, please call William Drew-Batty at Taverham Hall school on 01603 868206.

Do you have a story about your school? Call reporter Donna-Louise Bishop on 01603 772438 or email donna-louise.bishop@archant.co.uk