“I wish we could have sung more songs, it made me happy to sing with the band. Their music made me happy.”
Edie Milburn, a Year 5 pupil at St Leonard’s Catholic Primary School, Silksworth, sums up perfectly the pride and joy of singing with Fishburn Brass Band at Sunderland Minster.
The school choir was thrilled to be asked to sing at a fundraising event for the Marie Curie charity and have spent hours learning and practising eight songs, led by choir lead Ashleigh Hayes.
The school, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, was offered a fee for performing at the special event, which was donated back to the charity.
Parents and members of the local community attended, alongside members from the local authority.
Ashleigh Hayes, teaching assistant and choir lead, said: “The children did extremely well and performed to a very high standard. I am so proud of the hard work they have put in during choir practice. They are a credit to their families and our school.”
Tara Olusanya, nine, a Year 5 pupil, said: “The best time of the night was singing in front of an audience.”
Year 5 pupil Maggie Brown, nine, said: “There was a lot of people there to support us, and I feel lucky to be in the choir.”
Olivia Scrafton, nine, also in Year 5, said: “I liked singing in the performance and listening to all the instruments playing.”
Gabriella Nwokedi, eight, a Year 4 pupil, said: “I really enjoyed our night there, and everyone seemed happy with our singing.”
Alexis Ronald, nine, a Year 5 pupil, said: “It was really good fun, listening to the band play their instruments and singing to the audience and watch the smiles on their face as they watch us. I did not want the night to end.”
Grace Alapa, seven, a Year 3 pupil, said: “When we sang it was amazing, everyone was watching us with a smile.”
Emily Wolfendale, nine, a Year 5 pupil, said: “I loved to watch the band play their musical instruments, everyone was amazed, and they were amazing.”
Tase Olusanaya, six, a Year 2 pupil, said: “I loved the trumpets and all the other instruments; it made me want to sing more.”
Justin Inyang, seven, who is in Year 3, said: “I love the choir, i look forward going to rehearsals every week, and performing in front of an audience.”
Mark Inyang, eight, a Year 5 pupil, said: “I think choir is great, we have lovely choir teacher who likes to help us.”
Esther Sunday, eight, a Year 4 pupil, said: “I love singing and singing in front of an audience that we do not know, it makes them have a big smile and they look very happy to watch us perform.
The school choir will also be performing a carol service at the Christmas fair.
St Leonard’s is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted and school places are filling up fast, but there are still a few spaces available. Please email the school office for more information at: sle_office@stleonardsprimary.org.uk
For more information about BCCET, please visit www.bccet.org.uk
ENDS
Photo captions: St Leonard’s Catholic Primary School choir was proud to sing at Sunderland Minster with Fishburn Brass Band.
Press release issued by SASS media on behalf of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust. For more information, contact Sarah Dale on 07814 976582.