Camden Music aims to share the joy of music with young people. Our 2024 Primary Choir Festival was an excellent example of how we work towards that vision.
Over 900 talented Key Stage 2 pupils (ages 7-11) gave a fabulous selection of performances over three evenings from 25 to 27 March. From over 30 of Camden’s schools, pupils sang together as a massed choir and gave individual choir performances. Starting in 2003, this was the 11th Primary School Choir Festival, and it has become a firm tradition for our schools and the Music Service community.
Each night, the pupils all sang together to perform five massed numbers, which were:
- “One Tiny Marble”, taken from a children’s cantata called “From Boarder to Bridges”, written by Michael and Jill Gallana in 1991. This piece is no longer in print, but the composers were delighted to give their permission for it to be performed by Camden’s pupils.
- “Tina Singu” is a children’s song from southern Africa, probably originating in Lesotho. The words mean, “we are a burning fire”. Some people say this is about being strong. Others say that the song is sung during playground games to scare opponents.
- “Whup Jamboree” is a traditional shanty. The original dates back more than 100 years, but there are many versions. This lovely arrangement was created by Ezra Burke, who helped to coach the choirs and conducted the massed items, and our colleague Ros Savournin.
- “Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam”, led by our guest conductor, Sohini Alam, who arranged it along with Olly Weeks, saw pupils singing along to a backing track created by their band, Khiyo. The original song is by the Bengali poet and musician Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Sohini has translated the words for us.
- “Gonna Rise Up Singin’” is a song by Don Besig. It’s a Camden favourite, and we have performed it at the Royal Albert Hall in the past.
Between each of the massed numbers, each school choir performed a song on their own, ranging from Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah to Pastime Paradise and the Monster Mash!
“We are so lucky to have such a great music offer in Camden – long may it continue!”
Rob Earrey M.M.C., Headteacher, Fitzjohn’s Primary School
It was great to see so many young people singing, and the performance opportunity clearly meant a lot to them. Pupils from Rhyl Community Primary School said:
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“It was good collaborating with other children.”
“It was amazing; there were so many different songs and singing in different languages.”
“It made me feel more confident after singing in front of a big crowd.”
“We sang in lots of different parts, and we didn’t get muddled up!”
The Primary Choir Festival runs every two years and will return in 2026. Camden Music Service now turns its focus to getting ready for our exciting Schools Music Festival at the Royal Albert Hall on 30 April 2025.
“It was so fun performing last night. I’m really tired today, but it was worth it!”
Year 4 Pupil, Netley Primary School and Centre for Autism
Want to get involved with singing at Camden Music? Sign up today!
Visit http://www.camdenmusic.org to find out about Camden Music’s choirs for children and young people.
Year 3 – Year 5: CamJam Voices
- CamJam Voices meets on Saturday mornings from 11.30 to 12.15 at Brecknock Primary School.
- It is sort of a training choir for the main youth choir.
- There are no auditions – everyone is welcome!
Year 6 – Year 13: Camden Youth Choir
- Camden Youth Choir meets on Saturday mornings from 10.00 – 11.00 at Camden School for Girls.
- There are no auditions – everyone is welcome!
Year 6 – Year 13: The Early Choirs
- The Early Choirs meet on Saturday mornings from 9.00 – 10.00 at Camden School for Girls.
- Members are invited for an informal audition.
- All members of the Early Choirs are also in the Camden Youth Choir.
Camden Holiday Voices
- Are you in Years 6 – 13? Do you like singing in harmony? Are you into pop, soul and RnB? Do you want to strengthen your voice? Camden Holiday Voices meets during the first weekend at the end of each half-term, starting after school on Friday.