Young singers are being inspired to reach the high notes thanks to a special guest teacher.
Children in years three to six at Carlisle’s Newtown Primary School look set for a date at the city’s cathedral after honing their vocal talents under the expertise of its assistant organist Edward Taylor.
Mr Taylor, who also directs the Cathedral Youth Choir and Cantate Children’s Choir, has been leading a weekly after-school club as part of an outreach programme.
The pupils have been getting to know musical classics such as Somewhere over the Rainbow and Any Dream Will Do.
Mr Taylor has been at Carlisle Cathedral since 2008 and previously held posts as Organ Scholar at Ely Cathedral, Leeds Parish Church, Wakefield Cathedral and Portsmouth Cathedral.
He said: “It is a great pleasure for me to be working in Newtown Primary this academic year. I got an immediate sense that the children are keen to learn and excited to be working on a musical project that could see them performing in venues in, and outside of, Carlisle.
“I am so glad to be able to share my knowledge to help the children build on not only their abilities as singers, but working as a team, and building up their own confidence.”
Acting head of school Sarah Lee said: “We are so pleased for the children to have this opportunity. It is something they really enjoy.
“We know it brings pleasure, not only to them, but to those who hear them rehearsing each week. We are very excited to see them perform.”
As well as the outreach project cathedral performance, the children from the Cumbria Education Trust school will be singing at local care homes and potentially The Young Voices concert in the Manchester AO Arena.
