Whitworth student’s song to raise money for hospice

Students from Whitworth Community High School at the Rossendale Hospice Hearts and Voices Concert at Blackburn Cathedral

Students from Whitworth Community High School joined in the Rossendale Hospice Hearts and Voices Concert at Blackburn Cathedral.

The concert raised £3,500 for the hospice and a 27-strong choir from Whitworth performed a solo rendition of Adele’s Rolling in the Deep.

At one stage there was a choir of 140 pupils from various primary and secondary schools on stage.

A variety of popular songs were sung and played by 2nd Rossendale Scout Group Band under the musical direction of Graham Helm.

Songs included ‘I’m the King of the Swingers’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
Bacup opera star Sean Ruane, of Chant Productions worked with the students in advance of their performance.

Samantha Houghton, 15, said: “Sean came into our choir practise at school and ran workshops with us

“We had a rehearsal at Blackburn Cathedral before all the people came, but when we went out on stage and saw the size of the audience I thought to myself, ‘Gosh, can I do this?’

“Then it felt really good singing together; we sounded like a massive big family.”

It was by far the choir’s largest audience with more than 300 people packing the cathedral.

Samer Qureshi, 12, said: “I started with the choir halfway through Year 8 and I think it is fun and a way of expressing yourself.

“Our choir meets Friday lunchtime and by the end of the day I find myself singing in lessons.

“When we all sing together in the choir I feel confident. I was a bit scared when we were facing such a big crowd but when we started singing I felt much calmer and I just enjoyed myself.”

The school’s choir was formed by Director of Creativity Debbie Goff.