Schools: Hundreds of children perform

Sam EmanuelThe beautiful singing of Norfolk school pupils was music to their teachers' ears as they performed the result of months of hard work in a series of concerts last week.Sam Emanuel

The beautiful singing of Norfolk school pupils was music to their teachers' ears as they performed the result of months of hard work in a series of concerts last week.

More than 230 children from 30 schools around Norwich took part in the Central Area Schools Music Association (CASMA) performances at St Andrew's Hall, which were enjoyed by parents, friends and members of the public.

The theme was music hall songs, and the children sang numbers including I Do Like to be Beside the Seaside, I'm Henry the Eighth I am and Any Old Iron, with some audience participation.

They also sang specially-composed songs from the Kett Kollection by Anthony Bailey, a local teacher and composer, which were about Robert Kett.

One of the conductors, Maureen Hanke said: 'Many children each year will never have sung in public before, or in such an imposing building, or with so many others. For some it is the first time they hear a live orchestra or ensemble. It is an experience they will always remember.

'For our annual celebration all the children learn the same songs which are rehearsed in school with their own music teacher who receives training sessions and a recording of the songs and word sheets, and also in workshop sessions with the CASMA conductors.'

The schools which took part were Lingwood, Blofield, Horsford, Mile Cross, Lionwood, Avenue, Worstead, St William's, St Michael's Bowthorpe, St Thomas Moore, Buxton, Coleman, Woodland View, Mundesley, George White, Taverham, Morley, Attleborough, Wicklewood, Hillside, Tuckswood, Thurton, Salhouse, Coltishall, White Woman Lane, Little Plumstead, Drayton, Henderson Green, Eaton and Firside.

Do you have a story for Local Life? Call Sam Emanuel on 01603 772438 or email sam.emanuel@archant.co.uk.