A free two-day singing workshop at Holy Trinity Church in Hereford city during February half term struck a chord with local children. The singing camp offered a chance to experience the joy of choral singing while building confidence and community connections.
Twenty children aged seven to twelve participated in "Let's Sing!" during the Spring half-term, learning singing techniques, exploring the pipe organ, and preparing for a special service performance for their families.
"Singing together in Church creates a unique bond it’s quite unlike other settings because of the acoustics and organ. I had hoped the singing camp would be a great way to attract new recruits to the choir" said Ewan Murray, Director of Music at Holy Trinity Church. "While we haven't had any new choir members join yet, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. One family told us 'Thanks for the Let's Sing experience - the girls loved it!' These responses encourage us to continue offering these opportunities."
Children who enjoyed the workshop will be delighted to hear that Holy Trinity is planning additional singing club events later this year. These follow-up sessions will build on the skills introduced during "Let's Sing!" and provide more opportunities for musical growth and community building.
The workshop, led by Mr Murray alongside soprano and singing teacher Elly Bosworth, welcomed children of all musical abilities. The young participants learned six pieces by rote, including traditional works by Wesley, Gillard, and White, while also receiving opportunities to compose and play the magnificent pipe organ.
Children were divided into groups during the workshop, alternating between focused singing sessions and creative organ exploration. The organ activities encouraged imagination as children collaborated on stories they could express through the instrument's varied sounds.
The event culminated in a special service where parents joined their children in the choir stalls, creating an intimate family atmosphere. Prebendary Kay Garlick led the service, which featured all the prepared musical pieces plus the children's original organ compositions.
Beyond recruitment for Holy Trinity's choir, the workshop achieved broader goals of introducing children to church in a positive, engaging way while developing teamwork and communication skills. The mental health benefits of group singing – including reduced anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced social connections – were evident in the children's enthusiastic participation.
For those interested in joining a church choir or attending the upcoming singing club at Holy Trinity, contact information is available through the church office. In the meantime, choir enthusiasts can catch the West Hereford choir performing at Bristol Cathedral over the Easter period, showcasing the high standard of choral music that flourishes in the Diocese.
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