Hosted by the University’s Worcester College, the Choral Experience was open to Year 12 singers from state schools across the UK, with places offered to just 35 successful applicants – including three from our school.

Charlize Mana-ay, Charlotte Norman, and Maddie Robinson are all members of the Cantabene choir at Springwood, and were selected on the strength of their audition recordings.

“We were requested to send a recording of ourselves singing either a folk song or a hymn tune,” said Charlotte. “The selection included ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘Amazing Grace’.”

It was the first time the Choral Experience had been held, and the participants took part in a host of music-related activities, including choral rehearsals and individual singing lessons with a member of the Oxford University tutor team.

Under the leadership of the College Director of Music, Caius Lee, the group also worked with renowned choral composers Bob Chilcott and Paul McCreesh, undertook academic sessions at the University, and enjoyed a taste of life as Oxford undergraduates, complete with formal dinners.

“The weekend also had performances, including church services and a final concert,” continued Charlotte. “We performed a selection of choral works, including ‘The Lily and the Rose’ by Bob Chilcott, along with a mixture of sacred and secular titles.”

“I am thrilled to say that three students from Springwood were successful and joined the programme, meaning that nearly 10 per cent of the choir were from Springwood,” added Robin Norman, Director of Music at our school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“A wonderful time was had by the three students, who returned home in time to perform back at Springwood at part of our Community Music Festival.”