LOCAL YEAR 5 PUPILS WORK WITH SINGER FROM THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, LONDON
12 Apr 2013
St Mary’s Calne was delighted to welcome Year 5 children from Derry Hill Primary School, Leaden Hall, St Margaret’s Preparatory School, Farleigh and Kitebrook House on Wednesday 27th February, and children from St Dunstan Primary School, Hilmarton Primary School, Holy Trinity Academy, St Francis, Knighton House, St Hugh’s and Heywood Prep on Thursday 7th March, for special one day musical workshops.
The workshop was led by St Mary’s Director of Music, Hugh Sutton, and Phillip Bell, a voice coach and performer who regularly appears on stage at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Mr Bell has led many music theatre workshops for the International Schools Theatre Association around the world and is a member of the music staff at the Royal Russell School, Croydon. They were joined by Tori Jordan, who is the founder and director of her own dance company and is a movement and dance specialist, and her colleague Vicky Studd.
The children spent time working on songs such as ‘Food Glorious Food’ from ‘Oliver!’ and ‘Seize the Day’ from Alan Menken’s ‘Newsies’ before adding in dance movement ready for a performance which delighted their parents and teachers later in the day. They also worked on movement pieces to contemporary music, including One Direction!
The children were incredibly enthusiastic and responsive, and very much enjoyed the day, commenting that the workshop was ‘the best ever!’ Hugh Sutton said ‘I was delighted with the success of the workshops and it was wonderful to welcome so many local children to take part in a high quality, action-packed day.’