The music team at St Michael & All Angels’ Church, Bassett, Southampton have welcomed local children for a successful ‘Half Term Singing Day’. Children in years 3 to 9 (ages 7 to 14) were led by a team of experienced, enthusiastic and friendly adults, learning how to sing a variety of pieces together, as well as taking part in games and other activities.
The church’s music team have visited local schools with flyers to encourage all children to take part. The ethos of the group is: ‘you don’t need any singing experience to take part, there’s no need to read music and no commitment beyond the day itself. All you need is a voice!’
On Wednesday of half term, the group learned both a traditional and a contemporary piece – a 16th century round composed by Thomas Tallis and a song from the film The Prince of Egypt, ‘When You Believe’ – both were performed to parents in a ‘mini concert’ at the end of the day. There were also other activities planned including games and a treasure hunt – little figures of the twelve disciples were hidden around the church for the children to find!
Music is a big part of parish life at St Michael’s where an adult choir sings every week and the Junior Choir sings once a month, also practising every Wednesday evening. Together, the Junior Choir leader, Helen Carmichael, Music Director, Andrew Hanley, and the Chair of the Music Committee, Andy Carmichael, are committed to seeing this ministry flourish and involve more people from the local community.
To learn more about these inspiring Half Term Singing Days, visit the website here.
