On song for a good cause (From Leigh Journal)

On song for a good cause

8:10am Monday 15th March 2010 in Video

HUNDREDS of schoolchildren took to the stage for a special musical performance after rehearsing for just one day.

They took part in Bolton’s annual Sing Day event and are set to raise lots of money for charity.

More than 200 primary pupils from 15 schools rehearsed throughout Saturday before taking part in a mass concert at Victoria Hall in aid of the Children's Opportunity Group (COG).

Sing Day raises money for a good cause each year. COG runs playgroups for young children who have disabilities or special educational needs.

The young singers spent Saturday with guest conductor Donald Gilthorpe, and Helen Rigby and Angela Caswell from the Bolton Schools’ music Association, which organised the event.

They learned the tunes, words and actions for a range of songs, including Kookaburra and X Marks The Spot, before performing in the evening.

Guest performers included The Soul Band, a group of drummers, and The Brett Collection, a family group, and the Bolton Music School singers.

Helen Rigby, chairman of music association, said: “Sing Day is all about bringing all the schools together for a fun community event.

“It’s a good opportunity for the children and a great experience. It was a fabulous day.

“It always amazes me how the children learn so many songs, words and actions in one day. The concert was received really well. The parents were very proud.”

The total sum of proceeds raised is still being counted before it is presented to COG at a later date.

The primary schools taking part were Clarendon, Prestolee, SS Simon and Jude, St Columba’s, St James, in Daisy Hill; Sunning Hill, Sacred Heart, St Thomas, in Halliwell; St Thomas, in Chequerbent; Blackrod, Gaskell, St Peter and St Paul, St Michael’s, St Paul’s and St Stephen’s.