St Mary’s Church was a fitting setting last Sunday, 13 July, for The Music Well’s children’s singing group’s summer concert.
The 18 children from the group who participated sang their hearts out. From the youngest, aged 5, to the oldest performers, who are now at secondary school, their faces shone with obvious enjoyment.
Marian Ham, the founder and the lead of the group, introduced each song and the solo artists. The church erupted with applause after each song and it was clear that parents, grandparents and siblings were proud and suitably impressed by the show.
Nick Ingman played the piano, which was one of the first formal performances for the church’s newly acquired Bluthener. Nick has been supporting the group post covid and regularly attends rehearsals on a Monday at the Creative Centre. As a renowned musician and composer his expertise had been invaluable. Many of the arrangements and digitally produced backing tracks are his work. Ben, the verger, took on the task of being the technician for the day playing the backing tracks when needed.
It was clear that the group has given each child the confidence to perform and even the youngest held the microphone and sang a solo. The older children were able to lead groups of children with harmonies.
The Music Well Anthem, composed by Nick, was the penultimate song and the show finished with ABBA’s Thank You For The Music. The audience appreciation indicated that they all thanked the children for the music and the songs they were singing!
The mayor, Councillor Andy Stuart said how impressed he was with the confident delivery and absolutely joy of performance the children showed.
A member of the audience was so taken with the talent he bought a chocolate strawberry for each artiste.
The afternoon finished with a gathering and the opportunity to eat cake and chat.
What a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Image Credits: Nick MacRae .