We are delighted to be starting up a new Children’s Choir ‘Altrincham Trebles’ held in school on a Monday afternoon: in other words, we’re offering free musical tuition that will last your child a lifetime!
Music is an integral part of our life at St George’s. We have seen many examples of how a good musical education has changed the lives for young people for the better. Rev. Claire remembers her time at Bradford Cathedral, when she and her husband saw many of the young choristers form wonderful communities and then go to prestigious Universities on Choral Scholarships – a journey that started in Primary School. We are very keen that pupils from our Parish have the same opportunities.
Therefore, our choir will be fun, it will be developing teamwork at a young age, and giving each child the experience of that buzz as their voices harmonise with each other. Our choir will be focused on teaching our pupils how to sing properly, how to read music, and for those that want it, they will be fully prepared to sit the relevant ABRSM exams; setting them up for any musical adventure that they want to peruse in secondary school.
What is it?
It’s a choir for any child in KS2.
Do they have to be able to sing & read music?
Not at all – we will teach them!
How is it different to other choirs?
Our choir is focused on choral music; the type that you might hear in a Cathedral.
It teaches children to read and understand music and will, in time, enter children for the relevant exams so that they have qualifications for life. Such a grounding will mean that in the future they can attend all different types of choirs and be confident in their ability to sing really well.
We follow the RSCM (Royal Society of Church Music) specifications, and our children work towards recognised ‘medals’ which some of them are now close to achieving!
Who is it led by?
Our choir is led by Aiden McCusker. Aiden is a first class graduate in vocal performance from the RNCM, and is now embarking on a two year Master’s. He is also a choral scholar at Bolton Parish Church, and, we have been told from a number of sources, ‘has a voice to die for’!
More importantly for us, he is kind, patience and has a wonderfully gentle way of steering our young children to grow in confidence and skill, and we can’t wait to see where his leadership takes our choir this year.
All our staff and volunteers are DBSed and safeguarding trained.
How much does it cost?
It is absolutely free!
Do they have to sing on a Sunday morning?
Not at all, but it is encouraged; obviously, the more that they sing, the more practice that they get and the better they will do. Singing with adults will also help them learn quicker too and it’s a really caring community with people looking out for each other. They also get to call themselves the grand title of ‘chorister’! However, we also understand if you have other commitments.
Where do they need to go
The spare classroom in KS1.
I’ve got a friend from another school – can they come?
Absolutely – the more the merrier! We appreciate that they may arrive a little later; that’s absolutely fine.
How do you reward progress?
When they are ready, they will have the opportunity to be entered for formal exams.
Before then, we follow the RSCM Voice for Life programme which sets up the building blocks of musical knowledge and ability. As they work through each book, they are then given a coloured badge relevant to their level, which, if their school allows it, they can wear on their uniform. If they sing in church, then they also receive the equivalent ribbon and medal too, and have the chance of being nominated for a ‘Head Chorister’ medal too.
What else do we need to know?
That they get biscuits when they arrive and that it’s lots of fun?!
Any other questions?
Come and find Rev. Claire or send her a message!
