We have just concluded our first ever ‘Vocal Week’ (26 – 30 January), a five-day celebration of all things vocal. Spearheaded by Anna Prowse, Head of Singing, Vocal Week had a schedule of events with something for everyone, from seasoned performers, shower-soloists, or anyone who’s simply curious about the power of the human voice.
The week kicked off with something that everyone can relate to: performance anxiety. Performance anxiety isn’t just a “singer problem” — it shows up in sports trials, public speaking, tests, auditions, interviews, and even everyday conversations. Ms Prowse held a fun and practical session demonstrating tools to help manage nerves, including breathing exercises and ways to focus your mind.
We also saw the return of the Young Musician of the Year Vocal Competition. Adjudicated by Rachel Nicholls, Head of Singing at the National Opera Studio in London, it was a wonderful evening showcasing our incredible student singers. The two winning students performed their songs to the school in a special Friday Jammin’ later in the week.
Papagena, acclaimed professional vocal quintet, joined us on Wednesday for a full afternoon and evening of music-making. In the afternoon, Papagena held workshops for Canto, Junior Chamber Choir, A Capella and Mansel Voices, teaching and rehearsing pieces that they later performed in a joint evening concert. Particular pieces Papagena coached A Capella and Mansel Voices on were ‘Tundra’, ‘As Dew in Aprille’ and ‘Deo Gracias’. The concert incorporated music ranging from medieval times to the present day, with Papagena singing curated pieces that had been written specifically for women’s voices. A Capella, Canto and Mansel Voices joined throughout, showcasing everything they had learned that afternoon.
Theatre and singing go hand-in-hand! Year 8 drama club held a production of Anne of Green Gables, the culmination of many lunchtimes of hard work. We had a great evening stepping into smalltown Avonlea (pictures to come soon!).
And the week was wrapped up today with a special edition of Friday Jammin’ where teachers and Young Musician: Vocal students held the floor.
Thank you for supporting our singers this week. In the words of Ms Prowse, “Let’s give the human voice what it deserves: focus, warmth, and a stage, and in return you will be rewarded with moments of true human connection as one person’s voice resonates deeply with your own.”
Read Anna Prowse’s Thought Leadership blog here
