School Community Sing project led by internationally acclaimed musicians

Hazlegrove Prep launched its annual programme of school events with a tremendous day of singing workshops and performance with 200 primary school children and their teachers.

On one of the very best days of the year, Hazlegrove Prep School was delighted to welcome 200 local primary children and their teachers to join them for Community Sing.

The event was the brainchild of Hazlegrove’s Director of Music, Vicky Sayles. Vicky, who has performed around the world as a musician in her own right, invited two world class musicians, Pete Churchill and Katie Teague to lead the children in a day of singing workshops.

Both musicians have a long and well established career working as musical educators. Pete Churchill, the Professor of Jazz Composition at the Royal Academy of Music, has featured at many festivals internationally working as a singer, pianist and conductor. As an educator and choral director, Pete is very much in demand and nationally recognised for his work with Primary schools all over the country. Katie Teague is an inspirational, creative and dedicated music educator, choir leader, performer, arranger and composer with experience of teaching and leading children from ages 3 – 18 and adults. Katie is passionate about enabling people to sing. Through her use of Kodaly singing games Katie likes to create a fun, playful atmosphere where people can take risks and explore how far they can go as a singer and a musician.

Director of Music, Vicky Sayles said, ‘We were treated to the most wonderful and inspiring day with our local primary schools today for our Community Sing. The children arrived buzzing with excitement as Hazlegrove buses pulled up to the school delivering them for our day of singing workshops. Katie Teage and Pete Churchill worked them so hard without putting any pressure on them through games and musical fun. They learnt an astounding seven songs in just two and a half hours as well as teaching their families (who attended the performance) one of their favourite songs from the day.

Singing enriches us all and today was an example of how it can bring people together as a community. A huge thank you to Hazlegrove for hosting the event and to our friends in the local community for attending the day and giving it their all! Well done everyone!'.

The day culminated in the Community Sing Choirs Performance which rounded off an exciting and creative project for the children and staff involved.