From caves to cathedral in music and song

Young singers and musicians from across the region will raise rafters at Exeter Cathedral next week in a special concert of music and song inspired by Beer Quarry Caves.

At its heart is B Sharp Vocal Collective, a choir of more than 160 children and young people from Dorset and East Devon who have been working on original material with professional musicians lead by composer John K Miles.

The concert, on Tuesday (JAN 13) at 7.30pm, is in collaboration with the Woodroffe School and the Jurassic Coast Teaching School Alliance and will see the B Sharp Vocal Collective soloists and choir join with more singers from Woodroffe and Colyton Grammar schools. The performance will also include poems, stories, films and music, all inspired by Beer Quarry Caves, produced by other schools in the region.

“This has been an epic 18 month project for B Sharp, schools and hundreds of children and young people in the rural areas of West Dorset and East Devon,” says Fran Williams, director of B Sharp the Lyme Regis-based youth music charity.

“To be able to sing in a prestigious venue such as Exeter Cathedral, which was built from Beer stone, is a really special experience and a first for such a large group of children from this area.”

Work began on the B Sharp Voices project last year at Beaminster, Woodroffe and Colfox secondary schools. A 94-strong choir of primary school singers from St Michael’s, Lyme Regis; Mrs Ethelston’s, Uplyme; Marshwood and St Mary’s, Bridport was added in the autumn with songs and music developed in workshops and concerts with music leader John K Miles, vocal coach Deborah Jordan, drummer Winston Clifford, guitarist Jack Ross and B Sharp music mentors Chloe Stratta and Jacques Verhaeren, as well as guest musicians including guest musicians Adrianna Adewale (percussion, vocals) and Dave Mannington (bass).

“It has been brilliant to see my class grow in confidence, be proud of themselves and go from a shy group to a band of assured performers,” says teacher Becky Rolfe from St Mary’s, Bridport.
B Sharp Vocal Collective has been funded by Youth Music and West Dorset District Council and is designed to raise levels of aspiration in young people through group singing.

“Music making is life changing,” says Fran Williams. “Projects like this are incredibly important because we engage young people in singing at an early age through to adulthood and develop collaborative working with our education partners.”

Tickets for the Beer Quarry Caves concert are available from Lyme Regis TIC, priced £6 (concessions £3). Buses to Exeter leave St Mary’s, Bridport at 5.30pm and Woodroffe School 6pm.

To book seats contact christinenewton@bsharp.uk.com