Satellite choirs
Salford Music and Performing Arts Service launched a major new project in autumn 2002 to promote the development of singing in primary schools throughout Salford.
Salford now has eight Satellite Choirs for junior aged pupils, which link together pupils from several schools in each area of the city. Rehearsals for these choirs are organised as follows:
| Day | Time | Choir | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 3.45pm to 4.45pm | Monton Junior Choir | Monton Green Primary School, Monton |
| Monday | 3.45pm to 4.45pm | Hope Junior Choir | St Luke's RC Primary, Pendleton |
| Monday | 3.45pm to 4.45pm | Eccles Junior Choir | Beech Street Primary School, Eccles |
| Tuesday | 3.45pm to 4.45pm | Swinton Junior Choir | The Deans Primary School, Swinton |
| Tuesday | 3.45pm to 4.45pm | Walkden Junior Choir | St Edmund's RC Primary School, Little Hulton |
| Tuesday | 3.45pm to 4.45pm | Irlam Junior Choir | St Joseph's the Worker Primary School, Irlam |
| Tuesday | 3.45pm to 4.45pm | Boothstown Junior Choir | St Andrew's CE Primary School, Boothstown |
Each choir is run as a separate group and gives concerts in their local areas but all of the choirs will also join together for special events. In July 2003 the choirs took part in a Choral Festival at The Lowry.
In December 2004, pupils from Eccles, Irlam and Boothstown Choirs performed for GMR Radio at the Royal Northern College of Music. Each July the choirs combine together for a special event. In 2005 this involved performing at The Lowry. Music performed on that occasion included the world premier of 'I See No Ships', a cycle of songs especially written by the MAPAS composer to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the death of Nelson.
These choirs are open to all junior school pupils who are enthusiastic about singing. There are no audition procedures for these groups and attendance is free of charge.
Initial funding of the project was granted by the National Foundation for Youth Music using money from the National Lottery. Over 400 pupils have benefited from the project so far and a fine tradition of choral singing is gradually being established throughout Salford.
More information
Further information about the Jump Start To Singing Project can be obtained from Paul Trimble by contacting the MAPAS office on 0161 778 0256.
This page was last updated on 27 July 2011
