A new choir for KS2 (age 7-11) children has started in Norwich. Norwich Young Voices (www.norwichyoungvoices.org) is based at St John’s First School, Heigham Road and runs from 4.30-5.30 p.m. (some weeks until 6.00 p.m. for older children). The choir is run by a young, dynamic leader and is part of the Music Outreach Programme in which we are collaborating. We very much want more children to be involved. An application form can be downloaded from the website, where you can also find other details about this exciting and fun project.

Click here to view the flyer which contains the application form.

In September 2008 we were instrumental in launching a music outreach programme to open the musical doors of the Cathedral to some 750 local primary school children. This is the result of a partnership between Norwich Cathedral, Norfolk County Music Service and St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral, which has attracted considerable Government funding (£35,000 in 2008-2009).

Music outreach plans for 2009-2010
Over the last year, choral animateur Beverley Downes made visits to 12 primary schools in the City and County. The Norwich Cathedral Choristers also visited these schools to perform for the children and sing with them. The children also went to sing in Norwich Cathedral and watch the Choir prepare Evensong. David Lowe, Master of the Music at Norwich Cathedral, and Beverley Downes, choral animateur with Norfolk Music Service, led professional development workshops with teachers, funded by Sing Up. These were used to develop confidence in their own voice production and their ability to obtain the best choral results with pupils.

In March the schools performed to great effect in the Norfolk County Music Festival at St Andrew's Hall and joined together to sing in a workshop with the adjudicator. In July two very successful concerts were held in St John’s Cathedral to celebrate the end of the first year’s work.

Norwich Young Voices (Years 2-6) has been formed, see the details above. We are still keen to recruit more children, please consider it seriously.

This year we are continuing the Outreach work with some new schools, but involving fewer children. A team of four choral animateurs will work in two schools each, providing a concentrated programme to teachers and pupils.

Looking further ahead

It is hoped that all this musical activity will generate a great enthusiasm for further singing, drama and art projects in future years and a possible choral venture in 2010 to celebrate the centenary of St John’s.

How to apply

If your child is interested in joining the Children’s Chorus, or you know of possible sponsors for our future plans, then please do contact Christopher Duarte (01603 433901).