L – R: Dame Allan’s Schools’ Director of Music, Chris Foster, Isobel (Y9), Charlotte (Y11), Savile (Y7), Dea (Y11), and Fiona (Y9).
Dame Allan’s Schools have strengthened their historic links with Newcastle Cathedral with the development of a Choral Scholarship Programme.
The partnership allows talented musicians at Dame Allan’s Schools to join Newcastle’s acclaimed Cathedral Choir, while also taking part in tours, recordings, and broadcasts.
Three older pupils at the Newcastle-based school have been awarded scholarships to sing with the Cathedral’s Senior Girls’ Choir, exclusively for girls in Years 10 – 13, while four younger singers – two boys and two girls – have joined the main Cathedral Choir.
Newcastle Cathedral’s Director of Music Ian Roberts said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our historic link with Dame Allan’s Schools through the Choral Scholarship Programme.
“The high standard of teaching and musicmaking at Dame Allan’s Schools and the unique musical education offered by the Cathedral make us perfect partners in the musical formation of young people.”
The seven skilled vocalists awarded scholarships attend weekly rehearsals and services at the Grade I listed cathedral, which dates from the early 14th century.
All singers are expected to play a key role in the musical life of the school. There are now four choirs at the Senior Schools – Big Choir, Chamber Choir, girls’ choir Diva Voce and boys’ choir Cambiata – while the Junior School has its own Big Choir and Chamber Choir. The choirs give all pupils at Dame Allan’s a chance to sing at school, regardless of their level of experience, while stretching the more able.
Chris Foster, Dame Allan’s Schools’ Director of Music, said the scholarship programme offers students with an interest in choral singing an excellent opportunity.
“It not only allows them to develop their choral singing skills, but to form friendships with other talented musicians from across the city. It also gives singers excellent experience if they want to apply for a university choral scholarship in the future and is a commendable addition to a UCAS application or CV,” he explained.
“The scholars will be given the opportunity to sing a wide variety of music spanning hundreds of years, from Renaissance music to contemporary choral works, all in the beautiful surroundings of Newcastle Cathedral.”
Three teachers within the Schools’ academic music department are also singers at the Cathedral, further strengthening the partnership.
Among those awarded a scholarship is Year 9 musician Fiona He, who said singing has helped her gain confidence and opened the door to new opportunities.
“I find singing such an amazing way to express emotion and being part of the scholarship programme has presented so many opportunities, from singing at services and weddings to improving my techniques and helping me gain confidence in my performance,” she said.
“The cathedral is a place where work is forgotten, and I get lost in the music in front of me. I’ve always enjoyed singing, and this scholarship will allow me to keep music as a core part of my life and perhaps turn professional in the future.”