Year 4 pupils Oakthorpe Primary School  became part of a 350-strong choir when they joined their peers for Rise Multi Academy Trust’s (Rise MAT’s) first Pupil Choral Concert held at Nottingham’s Albert Hall.

 

The event, which brought together pupils from each of Rise MAT’s 19 schools, forms part of the Trust’s commitment to providing a Pupil Charter for every child – offering opportunities and experiences that enrich pupils’ learning throughout their time at primary school.

 

In a celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, pupils were accompanied by a live band when they sang a host of songs that marked the decades of the Queen’s reign, as well as songs from the musicals in recognition of her fondness for the genre.

 

Julie Hopkins, Executive Headteacher of the Trust's Vale of Belvoir schools and project lead for the occasion, said: “All of the children sang so beautifully and confidently; their impeccable behaviour and passion shone through. It brought tears to our eyes when they dedicated ‘The Wind Beneath my Wings’ to their parents and teachers – it was one of those magical moments that everyone in attendance will remember.”

 

One parent attending the concert, added: “We wanted to say thank you for such an amazing evening. The children were absolutely incredible! My daughter loves singing and it was a phenomenal experience for her to be a part of.”

 

Pupils at each school practised the songs with their teachers and also benefited from a singing workshop which was run by Leicestershire Music’s choral lead, Nicki Atkins, who organised the arrangements of all the songs in preparation for the prestigious event. The children then came together to sing for the first time only a couple of hours before they performed.

 

Mark Cole, CEO of Rise Multi Academy Trust, said: “In total we welcomed almost 800 people to our Choral Concert, a gathering of pupils, parents, carers and staff members from across our Rise MAT family.

“It was a powerful example of how, as a Trust family, we can work together to achieve many amazing things, creating memories that will last a lifetime for our pupils.”