On the 15th and 16th February, FHS 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 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 include practical demonstrations of all the key aspects of conducting, and the workshop sessions that follow give 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 Faure’s brilliant Requiem.
Now in the fourth year of this event taking place at FHS, Sing for Pleasure are extremely grateful to 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!
As well as welcoming the experienced conducting tutors within Sing for Pleasure, leading on the Masterclass course was David Lawrence, an internationally acclaimed choral conductor and educator. Staff from FHS and Francis Holland Prep attended the course, including Miss Houlder, Miss Faber and Miss Murata, relishing the great opportunity to work with Music Teachers from across the country and to share ideas. Mr Mercer was 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. We were delighted that Selma, Year 12 A-Level Music student, attended the course and made great strides in her conducting and musical leadership skills.
Selma writes:
“Sing for Pleasure was an amazing experience. As a young student who had never done a conducting course, it was a life changing moment to take charge on the podium and learn how to clearly communicate with your choir by leading them with confidence. My teachers were so considerate and encouraging, always helping me improve as an individual, as well as praising my strengths. There was such a supportive community within the course where I was able to make so many relations due to sharing the love for music. I would like to thank FHS for giving me this wonderful opportunity and helping me dive into something I have always been passionate about.”
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
