Diocesan Schools Choir

Hearing the future generations' voice

The Diocesan Schools Choir

The Diocesan Schools Choir involves eight primary schools. They are St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, The Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School in Northampton, St Mary Magdalene Catholic Primary School, St Monica’s Catholic Primary School, St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Bishop Parker Catholic Primary School and St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School in Milton Keynes.

Currently, two children’s choirs within the Diocese (one in each town) gather once a week. The Northampton choir rehearses at Thomas Becket Secondary School and the Milton Keynes choir rehearses at St Paul’s Secondary School.

“We have been fortunate to run a rolling programme to enable all pupils from years 2-6 to experience the pure joy of singing. I have seen the impact of this first-hand throughout their engagement in singing in lessons and through collective worship.

Children look forward to their sessions and are disappointed when they finish. This has not only helped with confidence and self-esteem but also behaviour and pupil and teacher well-being. Staff have also enjoyed working as part of the group and participating in lessons with you because of your enthusiasm and knowledge of music especially singing.”

Carmel Dodds, Headteacher of The Good Sheperd Catholic Primary School (Northampton)

Northampton Diocese

The Schools Choir was first introduced into our schools in 2022 and Marcela Campana, our Choral Director, currently works in schools across Milton Keynes and Northampton. Singing is uniquely accessible to all kinds of people. It’s a form of music that offers a range of individual and social benefits to both those performing and those listening.

We as a Diocese believe in providing a safe environment for our youth so that they can thrive and learn more about themselves. The Choir helps the youth become more confident in their ability and therefore allows them to be more outgoing in all areas of their life. Furthermore, they are able to make new friends and have opportunities to see new things within their faith.

Events the Choir has attended

In June 2023 the choir sang at the Jubilarians Mass at Northampton Cathedral. In July 2023, they joined forces with the Thomas Becket Catholic School Choir in leading the music for the Thomas Becket Relics Mass, also at Northampton Cathedral. Additionally, they sang for family and friends in an informal performance at the end of July 2023, in the Maureen Grant Room at St Paul’s Catholic School, Milton Keynes. Finally, in October 2023, they led the music for the Diocese School’s Mass, celebrated by Bishop David, and with the presence of every Catholic School from the Diocese, at St Mary’s Church, Dunstable.

Marcela Campana, Choral Director

“Singing in a choir has been proven to have multiple benefits. Firstly, singing boosts the children’s confidence and self-esteem, allowing them to participate in an activity that involves them artistically. Secondly, research has shown that children who sing in a chorus significantly improve their memory skills and learning abilities, thus enhancing their academic performance. Last, but not least, collective singing develops a strong sense of belonging, and creates long-lasting friendships.”

David Oakley, Bishop of Northampton

“This will provide so many opportunities for our young people to grow in confidence and character. It will also build a strong and vibrant liturgical tradition in our Cathedral and elsewhere. When we joyfully sing to the Lord, it enables us to share the Good News of God’s Kingdom amongst us with each other and to pass on the tradition of faith we have received to the next generation of disciples. Let us sing to the Lord a new song!’