Secondary Vocal Workshop and Performance Event with Craig Lees of Leeds Conservatoire and Living Vocally
On Friday 15th March we are hosting the return of our secondary singing day which in previous years has featured Mark De-Lisser (2018) and Craig Lees (2019). Craig is now returning for the first secondary vocal day since COVID. This is partly in response to feedback from our LMEP Secondary Music Leaders Network sessions where requests for more, high level singing opportunities for secondary school students and the chance for schools to sing collaboratively, were requested by Heads of Music in Leeds.
The need to improve both the amount of singing and the opportunities to sing more demanding repertoire is supported by the recent Music Subject Report from Ofsted which stated that – The strongest aspect of the curriculum in primary schools was teaching pupils to sing. In secondary schools, curriculum content that developed pupils’ singing and vocal work was far rarer. Singing was a significant aspect of the curriculum in only a very small number of secondary schools. Most secondary schools did not build on the strong progress and enjoyment that pupils had experienced in their singing at primary school.
All secondary schools in Leeds are invited to take part in this event for individual singers and choirs from Yr 9 up to Yr 13. The structure of the day will be to learn 2 pop song arrangements in multiple parts and then to perform them en masse at the end of the day. Regular breaks will be planned throughout the workshop to protect voices. All participating schools will be provided with sheet music of Craig’s arrangements so that choirs can perform them back in school and/or groups of singers can rehearse their parts and record for exam coursework submissions. This event is fully funded by LMEP, with no charge to Leeds schools. Book tickets here. For more information please contact Jane.Roe@leeds.gov.uk.
Please note that as this event is fully funded, students will be expected to bring their own lunch and refreshments.
Craig is a Contemporary Vocal Coach, Choral Director, and Arranger. He is a Senior Lecturer on the Popular Music Degree at Leeds College of Music. To read more about his career, see his biography here.
Leeds Conservatoire are also offering discounted tickets to all students and staff involved in the secondary vocal workshop for the following events –
‘The Road to Joy’ Contemporary Pop choir concert: Thursday 21 March, 7.30PM, The Venue
‘The Road to Joy’ Contemporary Pop choir concert: Friday 22 March, 7.30PM, The Venue
For more information please contact Jane.Roe@leeds.gov.uk
