Newark Parish Church Choir awarded £5,000 by Cathedral Music Trust

Newark Parish Church has received a grant to support choir singing lessons.

The award was made by the Cathedral Music Trust.

The choir is supported locally by Magnus Educational Foundation, which involves choristers receiving free instrumental lessons, alongside voice training.

Rehearsals take place twice a week at the Song School.

“We are very grateful to the Cathedral Music Trust for this grant. This will enable us to enhance the musical training that we offer to the children and young people of Newark who sing in this historic choir,” said Dr Stephen Bullamore, director of music at the church.

On top of the financial support offered by the Cathedral Music Trust, the Royal School of Church Music has given a year of free access to the new Voice For Life digital training.

Two students — Elora Brailsford and Thomas Li — have succeeded in the RSCM’s gold award exams.

“The gold award is demanding, requiring candidates not only to sing several pieces in various different styles, but also to demonstrate musical knowledge in depth,” said Dr Bullamore.

“We are very fortunate to be able to train young people to this high level in Newark.”

Last academic year many children thrived in their exams such as Royal School of Music exams in singing and obtained a satisfying grade clutch of grade one results.

Of that success, Dr Bullamore continued: “It’s great to see choristers growing in self-confidence as they move through the choir.

“As well as the obvious musical prowess that they gain, it gives a boost to their education and they enhance their lives, learning about teamwork, communication and focus.”