March 2023

Accord Choir in Partnership with YAMSEN

In November 2022 we were awarded funding from Kirklees Year of Music 2023 to develop and run a SEN choir for special educational provision units across Kirklees. 

Rehearsals for the newly formed Musica Kirklees Accord Choir started in January at Southgate School in Almoundbury.

The choir is for pupils of KS2 and older who have learning and/or communication difficulties.  Pupils are taught specially selected songs with a good singing technique and occasional games, actions or Makaton signing.  There are now 25 students in the choir, led by Jackie Craig from YAMSEN (the Yorkshire Association for Music and Special Educational Needs).  

This project also incorporates a mentorship role for a member of Musica Kirklees staff to assist and direct the choir alongside Jackie Craig.  Jo Worboys-Hodgson from Musica Kirklees has taken on this role and comments:

‘Students thrive on routines, especially in special education and so each rehearsal has a routine - as most other choir rehearsals do.  Jackie opens her rehearsals by singing a hello song such as "Superman" by Black Lace which has repetition, simple actions and is very lighthearted.  This gets the students immediately on their feet and moving with the music.  The smiles on everyone's faces are contagious and soon any inhibitions are forgotten about.  The movements loosen joints and stretch muscles and help to improve the children's coordination.  This high-energy, fun music has a pace which increases our breathing, pulse, circulation and brings everyone to life even though it is a Monday morning!  The children are inquisitive, friendly and want to engage with us.  Their enthusiasm for the songs they are learning is a delight to see and I can't stop smiling when I am with these children. 

Repetition is key for any learning but moreso for SEN students and so our songs are repeated at each session with a new song added at each rehearsal.  The choir only meet once a month for an hour and I am always amazed that the children remember the songs and the actions so accurately.  There is no animosity or negativity expressed between these students.  There is just an overwhelming feeling of love and support for each other in the room which is wonderful to be a part of.’

Jackie and Jo have now been awarded funding to roll out this project to more SEN Schools and we hope to form a massed choir to perform together at the Dewsbury Big Sing on 4 July, 2023 at Dewsbury Town Hall.