A POPULAR choir has been sharing its joy for music with the community as interest in singing reaches a crescendo.
Springfield Academy, Darlington, now boasts more than 30 members, from years 3-6, who meet every week to form the school choir.
Led by teaching assistant Cathryn Lee, the children give up their Tuesday lunchtimes to practice and are responding to any invitations they receive to perform.
They have just performed in the town’s Queen Street arcade to raise money for St Teresa’s Hospice and are planning to visit two local care homes to entertain residents with carols.
They will also take part in a town-wide competition and performance and are currently working on their own lyrics for a verse of the Holly and the Ivy. The winners will receive the privilege of turning on the Christmas lights next year and performing at the launch event.
Mrs Lee said: “I love singing and the choir is open to anyone who shares my passion for music regardless of their ability.
“Choir practice runs all year and we are happy to respond to any invitations to sing. It has given us the chance to introduce the children to a wide range of music they might not otherwise have heard.
“You see a real difference in the children after they have been singing. As well as releasing endorphins, it boosts their self-confidence, makes them more reliable and this stays with them throughout the day and all their lessons.”