On Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th February, the school hosted a national training event with the music education charity, Sing for Pleasure. 65 singers, conductors and music teachers flocked to FHS from across the country to take part in one of the UK’s best training programmes in Musical Leadership and Conducting. Participants learned how to best train and lead singers in small groups, regularly coming together to sing as a large community.
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 songs were heard – from rounds and part-songs tailored for young singers to a Masterclass of glorious music from Byrd and Britten.
Attending the course at the Foundation level were Miss Houlder and Miss Murata from the Music Department, Miss Cowell who is a choir practitioner from an FHS partner Charity, In Deep and our very own Year 12 Music Scholar, Eloise. All the participants had an extremely successful weekend and commented on how much they learned on the course, and how fun it was! We are extremely proud of Eloise who was chosen to conduct her group in the concert to close the weekend. As well as welcoming the brilliant regular conducting tutors with Sing for Pleasure, leading on the Masterclass course was Esther Jones, an internationally acclaimed conductor who happens to also be a former Music Teacher at FHS! Mrs Elphinstone observed the courses action and spoke of the joy of the music-making taking place throughout the school over the weekend.
“The Sing for Pleasure weekend has been probably one of the most influential and inspiring musical experiences I’ve ever had. The tutors, while great teachers, were incredibly patient and empathetic to us beginners; and it shocked me how much I learnt and improved over the course of 48 hours!” ~ Miss Murata, Composer in Residence.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Sing for Pleasure weekend at Francis Holland. It helped me to make vast progress with my conducting in a short amount of time, as well as giving me practical skills that I can use with the choral groups in school.” ~ Miss Houlder, Music Department Assistant.
“It was so fun! I definitely feel so much more confident with my conducting and it was great to pick up so many musical skills and leadership tips & tricks.” ~ Eloise, Year 12.
Mr Mercer, who directed the course, is 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 professionalism of the school and the 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 choirs all across the country!
To find out more about the work of Sing for Pleasure, please visit their website, or feel free to speak to Mr Mercer.
Mr Elliot Mercer, Teacher of Music
