Our diocese has joined the National Schools Singing Program. Having successfully been awarded the first year of seed funding offered by the Hamish Ogston Foundation and the National Schools Singing Programme, our diocese will now be seeking a Choral Director to lead the program.Initiated in the Diocese of Leeds, the NSSP aims to fund and support engagement with diverse communities offering a route into choral and church music.
The National Schools Singing Programme is for all Catholic dioceses in the UK to create or enhance their own music programmes for children educated in Catholic state schools.
Working with schools to develop a culture of choral and church music, especially targeting those of most need, it is hoped that alongside the benefit to our catholic communities, the program will see improvements in the literacy, numeracy and teamwork skills aswell as building an ever closer relationship in faith with Jesus Christ.
Welcoming the announcement Bishop David said
“It is such good news to hear that the Diocese of Northampton is joining other dioceses in the National Schools Singing Programme. This will provide so many opportunities for our young people to grow in confidence and character. It will also build a strong and vibrant liturgical tradition in our Cathedral and elsewhere. When we joyfully sing to the Lord, it enables us to share the Good News of God’s Kingdom amongst us with each other, and to pass on the tradition of faith we have received to the next generation of disciples. Let us sing to the Lord a new song!”
The foundation of the Schools Singing Programme rests on a network of after-school choirs that support parish and cathedral liturgies. As well as enhancing the in-school experience of musical education, the programme engages the wider community with concerts and performances that all can enjoy.