Harmonious masterclass strikes a beat with kids

SCHOOLS laid down a gospel sound with an urban beat for a concert with a difference.

Primary schools flocked to Central Hall, Grimsby, for the Secondary School Singing Festival – but this was no normal choir.

Chorus of approval: Students take part in the Secondary Schools Singing Festival, at Grimsby Central Hall. Pictures: Jon Corken. Buy these photographs at www.thisisphotosales.co.uk/grimsby or by calling 08444 060910.
Singing out: Two students take their turn on the mic at the concert.
Schools together: Students from Humberston Academy, Cleethorpes Academy, Cambridge Park Academy, Healing Academy, Oasis Academy Immingham, Foxhills Performing Arts and Technology College, Melior Community College and John Whitgift Academy, performing at the concert.
Students take part in the Secondary Schools Singing Festival at Grimsby Central Hall. Students from Humberston Academy, Cleethorpes Academy, Cambridge Park Academy, Healing Academy, Oasis Academy Immingham, Foxhills Performing Arts and Technology College, Melior Community College and John Whitgift Academy, perform. Picture: Jon Corken Buy this photo at www.thisisphotosales.co.uk/grimsby or by contacting 08444 060910

Pupils from Humberston Academy, Cleethorpes Academy, Cambridge Park Academy, Healing Academy, Oasis Academy Immingham, and John Whitgift Academy, performed hits from pop superstars including Jessie J, Bruno Mars and Adele – all done with nothing but the power of the human voice.

A huge choir of singers took care of the words but the beat was handled by beat-boxers at the front of the stage.

Incredibly, the hour-long performance was all arranged with just one day of rehearsals.

Students were given the words of songs to learn a week in advance, but came to Central Hall for a masterclass with DJ and beat-boxer Jason Singh, and gospel choir director Audrey Mattis.

Jordan Hebdon, 15, from Cleethorpes Academy, said: "I enjoyed it last year but this year, they made it better by adding the beat-boxing, gospel, and more upbeat songs.

"Audrey and Jason have taught us so much and it has been a great opportunity to come out of school and learn something different."

Liam Kiff, 15, of John Whitgift Academy, said: "I was not really interested in singing before but I have picked it up really quickly and it has changed my whole perception.

"I have also learned a lot about the kind of things you can do out of school and it is all worthwhile when you get the opportunity to perform."

Jason Singh, musical director, said: "The kids are really talented and brought so much personality to the concert."

Newly-taught beat-boxer Sam Rendall, 14, of Cambridge Park, said: "I had never beat-boxed before but I have learned a lot about sounds and syllables."