The Diocese of Salford’s Schools Singing Programme (SSP) was established in October 2021 as an expansion of Salford Cathedral’s Music Foundation. The Diocesan SSP forms part of the National Schools Singing Programme.
The Salford SSP currently reaches over 1,160 children from across the diocese through school singing programmes in Blackburn, Burnley, Bury, Colne, Failsworth, Preston, Rochdale, Salford and Westhoughton.
The programme is led by our cathedral music team and aims to embed a high-quality singing programme in each school, through whole-class singing every week and a network of after-school choirs.
School singing sessions are tailored to each class and rooted in promoting good vocal technique and pedagogy, as well as supporting the national music curriculum and linked to the liturgical year. Children benefit from high quality choral expertise from our wonderful choral directors who help prepare the children for performances and services as well as inspiring a life-long passion for music-making through singing.
Children are fully engaged in the sessions which are varied and lively with a focus on a broad range of music genres. Their confidence has blossomed!
Ms Arnold – Headteacher, Holy Family, Rochdale
In addition to in-school activity, the programme also offers a range of opportunities for further enrichment and for pupils to be a part of large scale and high profile diocesan events.
The quality of collective worship in school has been elevated thanks to the SSP, drawing more pupils to participate actively in the celebration of Masses and liturgies, and heightening the experience of everyone present.
Dr Cheetham – Associate Senior Leader & Teacher of Music at Ss John Fisher & Thomas More RC High School, Colne
If you are interested in your school joining in, please contact Salford Cathedral’s Director of Music and head of the diocesan SSP, Alex Patterson at: alex.patterson@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
In celebration of the upcoming Year of Jubilee, schools taking part in our Schools Singing Programme have been learning the Official Jubilee Hymn.
Schools have recorded performances of the hymn, which have been compiled into this wonderful celebration video.
Thank you to all of our schools for taking part!
