Music teacher launches appeal to grow choir in Telford
A music teacher has launched an appeal to bring together a 200-strong community choir in Telford as he prepares to stage an ambitious production of Carmina Burana.
Simon Platford, director of music at Wrekin College in Wellington, aims to fill a stage full of hundreds of performers as he brings the scenic cantata composed by Carl Orff to life.
The production is the third such mammoth concert he has directed at Wrekin College, previously hosting a St George’s Day celebration and a performance of The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins.
Last year, 130 singers took part from choirs at Wrekin College and The Old Hall School together with the school’s chapel choir and the community choir.
Now Mr Platford, a national finalist in the Classic FM music teacher of the year competition, is aiming to increase that number to 200.
Around 90 musicians will also be playing in the orchestra next April.
Mr Platford said: “The community choir is a wonderful organisation which brings together people from all walks of life and our choirs here at Wrekin College and The Old Hall School.
"It's a lovely opportunity for those who love singing to join others who share their passion and to work towards a major production of a very popular piece of work.
"People might know it better for providing music on the X-Factor and the soundtrack to the Old Spice advert.
"We will be giving everyone involved a chance to experience a real gala performance. It will be the pinnacle of the musical year here at Wrekin College."
Rehearsals for the choir start at Wrekin College on Wednesday at 8pm and people are being invited to join the choir on that evening.
The community choir which has grown in numbers over the last year to 70, boasts members aged from 20 to 80 years.
Mr Platford added: “It is a great privilege to be able to bring together such a diverse range of talents and ages to take part in such a landmark production.
"I am so looking forward to working with everyone over the next few months and would love more popped to come along and join in.
“Singing is very good for you and the health benefits of playing music and singing are well documented.
“More than 500 people have attended our previous concerts and the atmosphere has been electric with audiences spellbound at the talent on stage.
“These are ambitious events to stage but it is important to do so to encourage not only a love of music but a joy in sharing music and performing together.
"We have some truly gifted musicians here at Wrekin College and do we enjoy creating opportunities to show off those talents.
"Music is becoming more and more important. It's vital in helping students develop across all areas and studies have shown how dedication to music can improve the grades they get in academic subjects.”
For further information contact Wrekin College's music department on music@wrekicollege.com
