On the Right Path

How the Music Manifesto North West Pathfinder partnership has helped boost interest in singing across its area.

The Music Manifesto North West Pathfinder (NW Pathfinder) is a partnership of leading organisations engaged with music delivery and training, including singing, in a wide range of styles and settings. The NW Pathfinder partners - Manchester Music Service, Salford Music and Performing Arts Services, Greater Manchester Music Action Zone (GMMAZ) and the Halle- work regularly with all age groups and abilities, from absolute beginners to world renowned practitioners, and target much of the work at disadvantaged sectors of the community. The success of our partnership comes from our exchange of ideas and good practice, and our ability to shape programmes in the light of practical experience - our singing initiatives form a central element of our work.

Why sing?

Music can make a special contribution to the education of children and young people. It's also something everyone can do as everyone has an 'instrument' - their voice - and as such music can cut through any social or cultural barriers. Children love getting involved in singing, although they are mostly unaware it is a healthy, physical and educational activity that gives a sense of well-being, develops breathing and good posture, focuses the mind and encourages creativity and teamwork.

In-school singing

Manchester Music Services created the now well-known Singing School five years ago, which now operates as a rolling programme across all primary ages and all primary schools in Manchester. The Singing School songs and resources, including accompanying CD, training and support, provide even 'non-singing' teachers (ie, those who would rather not sing in front of a class!) with the means to facilitate daily singing in their classrooms.

The Singing School song collection includes fun and serious songs and chants to introduce children to the joy of singing across a range of styles and to explore various aspects of learning and school life. Some explore different languages and cultures, while others provide useful action tools such as the 'Time to tidy up!' song.

In addition to facilitating teachers to get involved in singing, the Singing School approach encourages the emergence of leaders of 'song bosses' among children, i.e. those children who thrive on leading the whole-class singing. 'Song bosses' are often the children one might least expect to put themselves forward as class leaders, and gain a great deal from developing the skill and confidence to enjoy leading their peers in singing together.

Some primary schools in Salford are involved in a different approach. The 'Jump Start to Singing' project introduces basic music principles such as rhythm and pitch through fun and educational singing. Jump Start songs are carefully chosen to not only develop enjoyment and confidence in singing, but also better pitch and rhythm awareness and the ability to sing in tune. Individual singing is encouraged for all of the above reasons, but also to enable children to actually hear and listen to their own voices.

Each session begins and ends with popular songs that focus on expression and singing in parts, while the middle section explores music reading at a level appropriate to the particular age group. Sessions are delivered by Salford Music and Performance Arts Service staff, with class teachers involved and encouraged to refresh musical games and songs between sessions.

It is no surprise that teachers have found pupils' general reading and concentration skills to have significantly improved- the concentration and coordination required for action songs where some phrases are 'internalised' or 'sung in their heads' while focusing on breathing, tone quality, articulation, phrasing, expression and posture is far removed from just a 'jolly old sing song'!

After-school singing

A few years ago it became apparent that many schools in Manchester and Salford were struggling to maintain a school choir, indeed many did not have a school choir at all. Through the NW Pathfinder investment, new satellite or district choirs have been established across the two cities, giving those children who are interested an opportunity to sing more often, sing more challenging music and enjoy the rewards or regular performance opportunities.

Singing events

The joy of using a common repertoire for all children or primary school age is that it enables them to enjoy singing together with others in large ensembles for fun and for performances. 'Singarounds' or 'Big Sings' are held regularly across Manchester and Salford to give everyone the change to experience the thrill of contributing to a large ensemble. The new district and satellite choirs have already performed many times, including a special event held at The Bridgewater Hall for 200 young singers - this was the first time the different choirs had met or sung all together! Manchester and Salford choirs separately performed pieces they had prepared in advance and the entire massed choir performed a song learnt from scratch just that afternoon with Halle Choral Director James Burton.

Singing is not just for children!

Earlier this month the NW Pathfinder partnership held a successful 'Sing First' conference-style event for all staff across the partnership. The event, organised by MusicLeader NW, gave musicians and teachers a chance to sing and vocalise together regardless of their musical background, and encouraged them to consider singing as a start for all music-making, and how they could all use vocal techniques to good effect in their teaching. 

"The day got everybody collaborating, talking with other musicians and teachers so everyone can learn from each other, people from different genres, different backgrounds. It encourages us to be all-rounders and everybody's leaving with a positive attitude." Owen Haisely, MC, producer and music leader, Manchester.

Future plans

The NW Pathfinder partnership feels it is very important to create the necessary support structures which will enable this work to continue and to grow - our aim is a pyramid of choirs at all levels and across all musical styles. This will involve engaging all schools, including secondary schools, and providing opportunities for children and young people to explore their voices and develop their vocal techiniques across a range of styles. We're looking forward to the challenge.

Words: Naomi Elliot-Newman NW Pathfinder Coordinator