On the weekend of 10th and 11th February, the school hosted a national training event with the music education charity, Sing for Pleasure. Over 100 singers, conductors and music teachers flocked to FHS from across the country to take part in one of the UK’s best leading programmes in Musical Leadership and Conducting. Participants learned best practice in the leadership of vocal and instrumental ensembles, developing skills in a close-knit learning environment before a massed performance.
Sing for Pleasure’s courses for choral conductors and vocal leaders are delivered in two ways: interactive technique sessions including practical demonstrations of all the key aspects of conducting, and the workshop sessions that follow, which gice participants an enviable amount of time at the podium to put into practice what they have learnt. This is achieved within a joyful, relaxed and supportive learning environment.
Across the multiple levels, a wide variety of music was heard. Filling FHS was glorious music – from rounds and part-songs tailored for children’s choirs and the classroom, to a Masterclass of glorious music of Handel’s glorious ‘Messiah’.
As well as welcoming the experienced conducting tutors within Sing for Pleasure, leading on the Masterclass course was Sue Hollingworth, an internationally acclaimed choral conductor and educator. We also had visits from various guests, including Nicholas Chalmers, known from his regular work conducting the BBC Singers, National Youth Choirs and soon to take over as Head of Choral Conducting at Royal Academy of Music. From FHS, Mr Wood and Miss Murata participated in the course, relishing the great opportunity to work with Music Teachers from across the country and to share ideas. Mr Mercer was course directing the event for Sing for Pleasure and was able to enjoy the joy of the music-making taking place throughout the school over the weekend.
Now in the third year of this event taking place at FHS, Sing for Pleasure are extremely grateful for the school for their wonderful hospitality. The Facilities Team and Catering Team were so welcoming and participants were particularly impressed by the helpfulness and professionalism of the school, as well as the stand-out quality of the food. Sing for Pleasure is delighted with such a smooth and well-managed event and that we were able to facilitate so much wonderful training. With the help of FHS, Music Teachers and Educators have been able to receive high-quality training which they can put into action to improve the quality of classroom music and music ensembles all across the country!
To find out more about the work of Sing for Pleasure, please visit their website: https://singforpleasure.org.uk/, or feel free to speak to Mr Mercer.
Mr Mercer, Head of Co-Curricular Music
