The Diocese of Leeds Schools Singing Programme is recognised as the UK’s leading choral singing provision, reaching 4,000 children weekly, both during and outside the school day in around 100 choral groups. These include the six choirs of Leeds Cathedral and Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs in Bradford, Keighley, Huddersfield, Wakefield and Pontefract.
We focus on areas of social marginalisation and economic deprivation, striving to offer the best musical opportunities in those communities least likely to encounter them. Our Choral Directors work in 53 state schools, which enthuse about the benefits gained by children in academic and behavioural outcomes. Although our work is closely linked to the Diocese’s programme of music and performance, there is no requirement of faith and we work with young people from all faiths and none; using the discipline of choral music to provide an excellent standard of training and inspiration.
To date, our Programme has inspired over 25,000 young people, aged 5-21. Many progress through our system of after-school choirs rehearsing weekly and performing regularly at Leeds Cathedral and other prestigious venues. Last year, our choirs broadcast eight services on BBC Radio 3 and 4. Our Bradford Choirs perform and record with the Gabrieli Consort and will be broadcasting the Christmas Day service on BBC One this year. We maintain a consistent level of good practice and our team are frequently requested to act as advisers to other UK and American institutions on the establishment and ongoing management of music programmes for young people.
Click here for Schools Singing Programme brochure.
‘I joined Bradford Youth Choir at 9 years old. During my 7 years as a choir member I had the opportunity to travel to Germany, take part in many competitions and make life long friends and memories. BYC inspired me and nurtured me as a musician and led me to Leeds College of Music where I am currently studying for a degree.’
JM, Schools Singing Programme Alumni
‘I’ve been here at the cathedral for the last seven and half years, one of the Choral Directors came into my primary school and asked if I would like to join the Children’s Choir and I’ve been here ever since. Singing in the Cathedral Choirs has definitely made me more confident, I’ve built the confidence to sing in front of other people and I think that translates across because now I feel a lot more comfortable to talk in front of other people as well…I’ve made some great friends here and I’d love to become a scholar in the adult choir.’ Girls’ Choir Member, 15 years old.
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Hear hear!! Bravo @thomas_leech and @DOLMusic .. https://t.co/Bih1p2kCQs
...'We constantly strive for the revealing of the extraordinary potential and hope contained within the children we work with. they deserve the very best we can bring them.'
Here's to another great term of singing with our schools and choirs!
...'Classical choral music is all too often a culturally monolithic bastion of privilege - the children we work with deserve the riches of this world too; we cannot allow the improvement of access to be undermined...'
Our lovely Keighley Junior Choir!
In preparation for their BBC One broadcast of Christmas Day Mass 30 members of our Bradford Catholic Youth Choir are undertaking a choir development tour to Rome at the start of November this year. To ensure this experience is accessible and affordable for all choir members we are seeking support from a range of Trusts, Foundations, corporate partners and individual donors. Any support you are able to give, however small or big will make a huge difference.
www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bcycrometour?utm_term=q6mBvBZEp
Help raise £3000 to support Bradford Catholic Youth Choir's Development Tour to Rome this November.
Weʼre raising money to support Bradford Catholic Youth Choir's Development Tour to Rome this November.. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.Worth up to £2,000 a year, university students local to Leeds have the opportunity to sing with one of the country’s finest cathedral choirs. With clear progression routes, expert mentoring and regular performances (including BBC broadcasts, the Leeds International Organ Festival and joint concerts with the Gabrieli Consort) these scholarships are an invaluable and unparalleled experience.
Leeds Cathedral now has scholarships available for all voice parts from September 2019. To apply contact: office@dioceseofleedsmusic.org.uk
Music education 'creates more well-rounded people'
Music education 'creates more well-rounded people'
Jazz star and presenter YolanDa Brown says politicians should appreciate the benefits of music education.Our Cathedral Choir School has featured in the Yorkshire Evening Post today. 2019 marks 10 years of the Choir School and we are delighted to have worked with so many talented children in Chapeltown. Our long term aim is to sustain the Cathedral Choir School into the foreseeable future, maintaining and developing musical, academic and community partnerships old and new; an achievable goal with the generous support of funders. All donations towards the Choir School make a real and measurable difference. To secure another brilliant 10 years, please consider supporting this project.
World class musician Sally Egan receives Leeds College of Music fellowship
An inspiring musician who has helped the Leeds Cathedral Choir School thrive has received a fellowship from the Leeds College of Music.Worth up to £2,000 a year, university students local to Leeds have the opportunity to sing with one of the country’s finest cathedral choirs. With clear progression routes, expert mentoring and regular performances (including BBC broadcasts, the Leeds International Organ Festival and joint concerts with the Gabrieli Consort) these scholarships are an invaluable and unparalleled experience. Leeds Cathedral now has scholarships available for all voice parts from September 2019.
To apply contact: office@dioceseofleedsmusic.org.uk
www.dioceseofleedsmusic.org.uk/cathedral-scholarships/