The Diocese of Leeds Schools Singing Programme is recognised as the UK’s leading choral singing provision, reaching 6,000 children weekly, both during and outside the school day in around 150 choral groups. These include the six choirs of Leeds Cathedral and boys’ and girls’ choirs in Bradford, Keighley, Huddersfield, Ripon, Harrogate, 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 66 state schools, enthusing 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. We use choral music to provide an excellent standard of musical training and inspiration.Â
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 broadcast the Christmas Day service on BBC One in 2019. 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 the 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.’Â
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.Â
Upcoming Events
Our choirs feature in Sunday's @BBCSoP! Tune in this Sunday at 11.30am...meanwhile enjoy this clip of our Cathedral Junior Girls' Choir rehearsing with @revkatebottley @StGtG_CAT @theBWCAT
Please consider helping us to take over thirty young singers on a residential trip to sing with the Gabrieli Consort. The project includes a week-long residential at Oundle School, culminating in a performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah in Ely Cathedral. https://dolmusic.uk/support-gabrieli-roar
A great concert from our Huddersfield choirs and guest schools from the @BPS_Trust at @ASCHC_COLLEGE - well done to all the young singers and our conductors and pianist @WilJonesMD, Roly Mander and Anthony Beckwith 🎶🎵🎵🎶
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Diocese of Leeds Music: Gabrieli Roar Residential
dolmusic.uk
Diocese of Leeds Music is fundraising to perform Mendelssohn's 'Elijah' in the magnificent Ely Cathedral, working in partnership with professional singers and players from the famous Gabrieli Consort ...