African Children’s Choir at Prep
<p style=”text-align: center;”> <img alt=”” src=”images/events/acchoir1.jpg” style=”width: 400px; height: 267px;” /></p> <p style=”text-align: justify;”> Prep School pupils had a very special assembly on 25 November with a visit from the African Children's Choir. The Choir is a touring and performing group of 18 Ugandan children, many of whom have lost one or both parents through the devastation of war, famine and disease. The members are drawn from a school in Uganda which is funded by the registered Christian charity Music for Life. The Choir aims to fund-raise but also to be ambassadors for the talent and potential of African children: “Helping Africa’s most vulnerable children today, so they can help Africa tomorrow.”</p> <p style=”text-align: justify;”> Since its foundation in 1984, the choirs have performed for Her Majesty the Queen, Presidents – including Barack Obama and Nelson Mandela – and many other celebrities and dignitaries. They have appeared on many TV shows, including GMTV and Blue Peter in the UK. One of the choirs sang with Gary Barlow in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert and later took part in the recording of the official jubilee song.</p> <p style=”text-align: justify;”> The Bancrofts' Prep School presentation came after eleven months touring in the USA and Canada where they performed in nine states in the US, including Alaska, and appeared on Canadian TV as well as singing live on several radio station broadcasts.</p> <p style=”text-align: justify;”> Prep teacher Sarah Strong described the visit as “A ray of light” and said, “The children melted the hearts of Prep children and teachers alike, with their charming smiles and delightful tunes, accompanied by traditional instrumentation. The presentation featured songs, hand clapping and dancing. The children were radiant with hope, musically gifted and wonderfully entertaining.” During the presentation some of the Bancroft’s Prep boys were invited to play the drums alongside the choir and some Prep girls invited to dance along.</p> <p style=”text-align: justify;”> The assembly culminated in both schools coming together and singing two of the Prep’s favourite songs. Prep Music Director Adam Baum played the trumpet, whilst the African Children’s Choir accompanied him on the drums. He said, “Our children were inspired, transfixed and excited by the rhythm and energy of the visiting choir. They showed us what we can bring to our music.” The children spent the rest of the morning visiting classes, joining in a dance lesson and playing with the children at break time. We were so privileged to have them at Bancroft’s. </p> <p style=”text-align: center;”> <img alt=”” src=”images/events/arfrica_chidlrens_choir_nov_14_11.jpg” style=”width: 400px; height: 267px;” /></p>
