Singing symposium

On Monday afternoon our Music department welcomed guests from Cambridgeshire and the surrounding areas to a unique singing symposium. The symposium was led by Jenevora Williams, Singing Consultant and teacher-in-residence for the National Youth Choir and teacher at the Yehudi Menuhin School, who also runs her own private practice for students and professional singers in Guildford, Surrey. Ms Williams delivered a talk to the audience before hosting a public masterclass with a number of students.

The theme of Ms Williams’ talk was ’Girls’ changing voices’, which provided the audience with fascinating insights into the ways in which girls’ voices develop during puberty. Ms Williams also offered advice and strategies for helping students to safely develop their vocal techniques as their singing apparatuses change. Following the talk the masterclass, involving Annabelle B., Jacqueline L. and Morgaine O. – who all study singing in school – were introduced to a range of techniques designed to help develop their performances. Audience members were then treated to a singing demonstration from Ms Williams, giving them the chance to see her put many of the techniques she had discussed in her talk into practice.

The afternoon provided a fantastic opportunity for development and enrichment for students and teachers alike. Many thanks to our Music department for hosting such an inspirational event.