Primary schoolchildren across Ipswich are singing their hearts out thanks to the creation of a new community choir.
The group, which is the first of its kind in the town, has seen pupils aged as young as five create their own harmonies after school on a Monday.
Set up by St Alban’s High School music teacher Liz Alexander, the Ipswich Community Children’s Choir now has between 25 and 40 members.
Children from Cedarwood Primary School in Kesgrave, Dale Hall Community Primary School and St Margaret’s Primary School are among those taking part – but it is open to every primary school in the town.
Performer and composer Ms Alexander, 41, has three young children under the age of 10 and has been teaching music in Suffolk schools since 1999.
Her own children love music, and she said the choir is a product of her wanting to “do something different” for primary schoolchildren – who she feels sometimes “miss out” on singing in the town.
She said: “There are a lot of adult choirs in the town and I wanted to set one up just for children and do something different as they can sometimes miss out to older children. They love getting involved and as we get closer to Christmas we’re singing some carols, too.
“In a way, as a music teacher myself, it’s a way of giving back to the community – we do everything free of charge; it’s just for fun, really, but the kids love it.”
Ms Alexander said the choir hopes to help develop the children’s vocal skills through a range of musical styles – including traditional, world, gospel, folk and pop music.
She added: “We’d love to raise enough money to get our own instruments such as a drum, for example, and the more pupils who get involved the better.
“I am really excited about the potential of this new choir because as it is open to all schools across the town it could really grow.”
The Ipswich Community Children’s Choir runs every Monday from 4.30pm-5.15pm during term time.
Visit the group’s website for more information.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here