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Opening times

  • Saturdays and Sundays
    8am-5pm
  • Mondays to Fridays
    8am-6pm
  • Café 16
    Mon-Sat 10am-4pm
  • FREE ENTRY

Newcastle Cathedral Celebrates Young Singers and Secures £28,000 Grant for Music Programme

Published 11 July 2024

Young singers from primary schools across Tyneside were celebrated at Newcastle Cathedral on Sunday 7 July.

This week, the Cathedral Music Department also received a £28,000 grant from the Cathedral Music Trust, awarded through the Trust’s Cathedral Music Support Programme. This grant will support the position of Chorister Supervisor and Administrator, providing essential administrative support and pastoral care.

Last Sunday, families gathered at the iconic landmark in St Nicholas Square to hear groups of talented youngsters perform as part of the Cathedral Choir’s end-of-term service.

The Cathedral’s Training Choir, along with the ChoriStarters and Mini ChoriStarters groups, which include children as young as four, showcased their musical abilities in front of an appreciative congregation.

The young singers in the Training Choir have been hand-picked from the eleven local primary schools participating in Newcastle Cathedral’s Schools Singing Programme. They have been developing their singing technique and music theory both in class and in after-school rehearsals at the Cathedral.

Newcastle Cathedral is one of the first Anglican cathedrals involved in the National Schools Singing Programme, having received funding to offer tailored classroom singing sessions and wider musical opportunities to partner schools across the city and wider Diocese.

Sessions led by Choral Directors Laura Oldfield and Clare Crinson aim to introduce children to the joys of singing and help them acquire new musical skills.

Clare Crinson explains, “It is so important that children from all backgrounds have a high-quality music education and the chance to develop their talents, so this work is incredibly valuable. Due to the success of the programme, we are expanding into more schools in September 2024. We have also been able to offer a number of children places in our Training Choir, which nurtures those who have a high level of vocal ability and has seen many children flourishing and progressing to become Cathedral choristers.”

Molly Hoult, Year 3, was selected to join the Cathedral Training Choir after shining in her singing sessions at Kingston Park Primary School and has since become a Probationer Cathedral Chorister.

Her mum, Kelly Hoult, says: “The choir’s nurturing environment has played a crucial role in fostering Molly’s growth and confidence, ensuring she thrives both personally and musically. Watching her perform alongside the older choristers and join in with the Cathedral’s services is an absolute joy for any parent and seeing her singing her heart out beautifully truly is the icing on the cake.”

Robert Adams, Head Teacher of South Gosforth First School, says: “Newcastle Cathedral’s Schools Singing Programme has been an absolutely wonderful enhancement to our music provision here in school. The sessions are high quality, expertly planned and seamlessly linked to national curriculum objectives.”

Upon receiving the Cathedral Music Trust grant, Newcastle Cathedral’s Director of Music, Ian Roberts, said: “Newcastle Cathedral helps children and young people to thrive and make the most of the opportunities music presents through our innovative music programmes and training choirs. The role funded by the Cathedral Music Trust will provide vital pastoral and administrative infrastructure needed to support families from a range of backgrounds.”

For more information on Newcastle Cathedral’s musical initiatives, please click here.

Does your child love to sing?

If your child loves making music, becoming a Chorister or joining our Training Choir could enrich their life in many ways. Contact our Music Team to discuss arranging an audition.

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