Girls Day School Trust brings 11 schools together for singing workshop

Amy Bebbington, Musical Director of the Sir William Perkins’s School Chamber Choir, led the event: “The organisers had a difficult time making sure everything fell within government guidelines, but the event was still able to showcase a large multi-school combined choir. There was great camaraderie from teachers and students alike, with the day culminating in a wonderful final performance, cementing the undeniable fact that the power of music can bring people together in more ways than one.

“The girls sang repertoire by female composers (including an alumni and one of my own compositions) and by the creative visionary behind this unique event, Richard McElwaine.

“In the absence of tours or competitions over the last few years, young musicians have missed the opportunity to travel, which is well-known for forging long-lasting friendships and musical memories. This one-day workshop felt like a mini festival and gave singers a chance to get out of school, to face a new challenge, and to embrace a unique and memorable musical experience.

“It certainly put smiles on everyone’s faces. The singers’ joy and positivity in performing such interesting and diverse repertoire was palpable throughout the day.

Amy added: “It was sad that a handful of students initially chose not to come back to choir, presumably through a fear of singing, which was falsely labelled as being a super-spreader activity in the early days of the pandemic. One has unfortunately been unable to return due to long Covid. I think that young people are now beginning to feel more confident about removing masks for singing. What I’ve learnt during this process, however, is that you cannot assume how a whole choir will feel.

“The focus is now much more on the individual, within the specific space as a whole and among others singing or playing instruments. There can no longer be demands placed on singers having to be present at a choir rehearsal if they don’t feel comfortable due to Covid-related matters. This is difficult to manage when performances are scheduled and concert deadlines loom.

“It is great to be able to rehearse again, and the chamber choir is now thankfully back to full strength and singing with real passion again. There is absolutely no substitute for performing to a live audience, when everything matters and the concert is spontaneous, live and thrilling!”

* Amy is the director of training for the Association of British Choral Directors. She is a published composer, and in great demand as a choral clinician, teacher trainer, adjudicator and mentor. Visit: https://www.amybebbington.co.uk/ or follow her on Twitter.

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