New choirmaster’s tuned in

an outstanding music provision, and it is an honour to be able to take over the reins from Mrs Pryce-Jones.

“I have some exciting plans in mind that’ll see the students experimenting with new singing styles and music genres. I’m a huge fan of acapella pop, so we’ll be taking inspiration from the likes of The Pentatonix who are setting YouTube alight at the moment with acapella versions of hits like Havana by Camila Cabello.”

Commenting on the importance of encouraging students to sing as part of their secondary school education, he added: “In my experience, at secondary school the key is to get year seven students singing as soon as possible to encourage them to continue the singing they’ve done in primary school.

“That means we must provide great performance opportunities and inspiring and engaging music to encourage them to get involved.

“Students who get the opportunity to take part in group activities like choir, orchestras and drama are able to build self-confidence and develop a strong sense of selfworth which they then carry over into other subjects.”

Steve Evans, headteacher at Rastrick High School, added: “I am delighted to welcome Charlie to the school and look forward to working with him to maintain the excellent reputation of our choirs.

“Charlie brings a range of skills and experience which will be vital as we continue our ambitious plans to grow and develop the music provision in our school.”

In the past 12 months, Rastrick High School’s choirs have performed with The Yorkshire Regiment Band, Halifax Young Singers, and Brighouse and Rastrick Band.

This year, its junior choir won its class at the Mrs Sunderland Music Festival and its full school and senior choirs were placed first and second respectively in the festival’s senior youth class.