Voices for Life, founded in 2020 by Tessa Armstrong, has grown into a thriving charity inspiring thousands of children to be happy and confident through music. With the support of generous supporters and a strong delivery team, the singing and wellbeing charity is going from strength to strength and is aiming to reach many more children through its singing projects and choirs.
“The founding of a regular Bath Children’s Choir by Voices for Life provides the perfect opportunity for children to keep singing on a regular basis, make new friends and grow in confidence through music,” explained Tessa. “The choir is open to all children aged 7-12 and is already sounding amazing!”
Since its launch, Voices for Life has worked with many schools across the Bath area, including Walwayne Primary School, Fynamore Primary School, St Martin’s Garden Primary School, St Stephen’s Primary School, Combe Down Primary School, Winsley Primary School, Colerne Primary School CE Primary School, St Julian’s Church School, Oldfield Park Junior School, Widcombe Junior School, St Andrew’s Church School, Moorlands Junior School and St Michael’s Junior School.
The opportunity to launch the charity’s first Bath children’s choir developed from the charity’s Stardust project in which over 500 Wiltshire and Bath children have recently performed this musical journey through space, accompanied by Bristol Ensemble and narrated by Bath pantomime’s Jon Monie. The children received standing ovations for their incredible performances. The third ‘Stardust’ project is being run in Wiltshire with a public performance in the Wiltshire Music Centre on 2 December 2022. These performances are a life changing and memorable experience for many of the children.
This coming term, the choir will be performing at the Holburne Museum and at St Michael’s Without in Bath for their Christmas concert on 3 December alongside the fabulous Noctis Chamber Choir. Looking to 2023 there are exciting plans for concerts in Bath Abbey in June 2023 as well as many other singing opportunities. Watch this space!
“Voices for Life’s mission is for every child, no matter who they are or where they live, to have the opportunity to enjoy singing together, build confidence and develop in all aspects of their life, musically and beyond,” added Tessa. “Recent support from The Arts Council and the West of England Music Alliance will enable Voices for Life to further its mission through developing its choirs and the Stardust project to reach even more children!”
Quotes from children and adults who have been involved with the choir include –
“My son thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities that the whole project gave him. It has given him more confidence to go on with his singing. Let me know if there’s any further opportunities – he is hungry for more.” (Parent)
“The sessions let us take our minds off things and let us know what we are capable of. The lyrics and words were meaningful and one of the best things was performing in Bath Abbey.” (A child)
“It was a real privilege and delight to be there on Friday – an amazing experience for everyone. Thank you so much for inviting me. You should be very proud of the community you have created. I very much look forward to continuing our partnership.” Donna Tandy, CEO, Palladian Academy Trust
“It was wonderful to see so many children engaging positively with the project – their enjoyment was written all over their faces. I am still amazed at how the different elements and performers fitted together to give a seamless performance. A huge amount of hard work and practice. Please accept my warmest congratulations for giving us all such a very enjoyable evening and my thanks for everything you do for the children of Somerset.” Jennifer Duke, High Sheriff of Somerset
About Voices for Life’s Bath children’s choir
The Bath Children’s Choir is open to children aged 7 – 12. They rehearse 4.15pm – 5.15pm on Wednesdays at The Church of the Ascension, Claude Avenue, Bath, BA2 1AG. To find out more or register please email Executive Director, Tessa Armstrong, at email hidden; JavaScript is required.