Chesterfield kids hit the high notes ready for national contest

The school’s Chamber Choir will be taking part in the finals of the Barnardo’s National Choral Competition at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Tuesday, February 9.

And in July the children will be competing in the world famous Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod in Wales.

The St Peter and St Paul Chamber Choir is made up of 27 children – including seven former pupils of the school – all of whom are aged under 13.

For their entry into the Barnado’s National Choral Competition they submitted two songs that were specially recorded in the shadow of the town’s crooked spire at Chesterfield’s Parish Church of St Mary and All Saints.

“To have won a place in either of these competitions would have been an incredible accolade but to be in the finals of both is a tribute to the children of St Peter and St Paul, and demonstrates both their talent and dedication,” said the school’s head of music Cathy Chapman.

Cathy has been working closely with the choir’s director, Andrew Noble, to train the children.

At the Royal Festival Hall there will be a total of 24 choirs competing, with the St Peter and St Paul Chamber Choir taking part in the junior section against 17 other choirs from around the country.

Cathy said: “I am incredibly proud of our children’s achievements.

“This is going to be a big day both for the choir and for the school and I hope they thrive and do the best they possibly can, but also have an extremely ejoyable day.”

Headmaster Jonathon Clark added: “These two musical successes are further accolades following our recent excellent placing in the Sunday Times Top 100 Independent Preparatory Schools Guide.

“We are absolutely delighted that our school is achieving so much in all curriculum and extra-curricular areas.

“It is thanks to both our excellent teaching staff and, of course, the hard work and dedication of the St Peter and St Paul children themselves.”