BBC Proms song and dance for Kingsmead pupils

YOUNGSTERS from West Somerset have been invited to perform at the finale of the BBC School Proms.
The concert, which will take place at the Royal Albert Hall, London on November 12, will feature more than 500 children and young people from across Somerset, including pupils of Kingsmead School, in Wiveliscombe.
The young people will be singing, dancing, and playing as part of a joint project between Somerset County Council’s music service and the Somerset County Youth Choir.
Pupils from primary and secondary schools across Somerset will perform a specially-commissioned piece by local composer Sammy Hurden at the finale, who has composed a choral piece entitled ‘The Calling’, designed to highlight the power of the voice.
The finale will also feature local musicians as well as dancers from East Bridgwater Community School.
Singing rehearsals began in primary and secondary schools in the spring, and teachers have been teaching the music to newly-formed or developing school choirs to help them prepare for the event.
The singers will be accompanied on the night by young Somerset musicians and staff from the county music service.
A full rehearsal is due to take place in Yeovil on Saturday, which will be the first time the 550-strong choir, along with local musicians and dancers, will have come together to rehearse.
Penny Dunscombe, Somerset Music’s vocal development manager and also artistic director for the youth choir, said: “The students and their teachers are fantastic to work with, and the music sounds wonderful.
“We are all getting very excited about performing at this prestigious event, and I feel privileged indeed to be leading this project.”
County education portfolio holder Councillor Gloria Cawood said: “The council provides services for local residents at all stages of their lives, and the music service is invaluable in promoting music in primary and secondary schools.
“It is to their great credit that talented young musicians from Somerset are to perform at the Royal Albert Hall.”
The Somerset County Youth Choir is open to any student aged between 11 and 22 years.
More information is available by contacting Penny Dunscombe on 01823 356619.

• Our photograph shows some of the Somerset pupils at an earlier rehearsal. Photo submitted.