Sheffield Cathedral’s vision to give hundreds of children the opportunity to learn to sing, to be part of a cathedral choir, and enjoy the joy and flourishing that music brings has received a boost with two grant awards. Grants from Cathedral Music Trust and the Church Burgesses Education Foundation will support cathedral music-making in all its forms, in particular school engagement and chorister development, essential to maintaining the traditions of choral music, as well as giving children the chance to thrive through the power of music.
On hearing news of the grant awards, the Very Revd Abi Thompson, Dean of Sheffield said: “Sheffield Cathedral is on a musical journey, taking singing into schools to re-invigorate local music making, and to develop cathedral choirs which truly represent the diverse communities we serve. Music-making helps children to build confidence and to thrive. We are delighted Cathedral Music Trust and the Church Burgesses Education Foundation are supporting us on this journey.”
Cathedral Music Trust Director of Impact and Delivery, Cathryn Dew commented: “The award to Sheffield Cathedral is part of a grant programme totalling nearly £450,000 for cathedrals throughout the country. Cathedral Music Trust is committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of cathedral music and increasing public awareness and appreciation of this national tradition. We want to give children of all cultures and backgrounds the chance to enjoy music, especially choral music. This is why we are excited to be supporting Sheffield Cathedral’s ambitions to take music, including choral music, into schools.”
Starting in September, members of Sheffield Cathedral’s music department will be visiting schools, particularly schools in more deprived communities where access to music education is limited, to deliver inclusive singing and keyboard music sessions every week. The sessions will take place during curriculum time, so all pupils have equal access and opportunity. It is this part of the cathedral’s music programme the Sheffield Church Burgesses Education Foundation is keen to support according to Ian Potter, Clerk to the Trustees of the Foundation:
“I hope the work of the cathedral music department enriches the lives of many children and helps to improve music education generally across our city and helps to further the Cathedral’s outreach to young people.”
Any school interested in finding out more information about the cathedral’s school singing programme should email: music@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk