We were able to continue NORCA's vocal development work for young people through funding from the Big Lottery Young People's Fund. In April 2007 we re-launched the Norwich Singing Squad, a fantastic opportunity for young people (11 to 18 years) to get involved in singing in a group. The Squad combined vocal development with performance and composition, and was for anyone, regardless of level of experience.

An additional focus of the project was to enable young people to take over the running of the group. Our provision included courses developing the leadership skills of young people, both as singing facilitators and as group leaders, and the was group supported by a worker from the Mancroft Advice Project. We also offered the chance to gain Arts Awards, and some members of the groups worked with web designer Jamie Johnstone on a website for the Squad.

Singing material was varied, including pop, gospel, show tunes, folk and more. The group performed regularly at a range of community events. What we tried to offer was an opportunity for young people to learn to sing or develop their voices in a friendly and informal setting, as well as developing their confidence and other skills.

Over the two years of the programme a team of experienced singing tutors worked with the group - Jon Baker, Charlotte Arculus, Sian Croose, Peter Murdoch, Sally Campion-Jones and Marcus Patteson. In the second year of the project we decided to focus on just two tutors with Jon and Charlotte running the group. We were also fortunate to bring in inspiring tutors from outside of Norfolk, including Gitika Partington, Beccy Owen and Katherine Zesserson.

The group is now independent of NORCA, with its own funding and run by the young people themselves, with some adult support. NORCA is still involved and supports them as needed. You can get current details from our Groups page or on the Singing Squad's fabulous website www.norwichsingingsquad.org

Supported with funding from the Big Lottery