Melrose singers set to star in West End

Melrose members of the Canto Choir have had a busy season recording and filming a song in aid of marine conservation.

Around 30 pupils sing in the choir and are taking part in the Our Only World initiative, which inspires and raises awareness of marine plastic pollution and its effect on the world.

The school’s charity singing co-ordinator Chantal Harrison initially got in touch with music producer David Smart, who was involved in writing a song for the project.

‘David thought they’d be perfect so they’ve been practising the song and they’ve done some filming on the beach. The song will be recorded in Guernsey and then be linked in with other choirs from around the world,’ said Mrs Harrison.

This will include UK schools as well as those further afield, including New Zealand and Thailand, and will be available for purchase.

‘All the money from sales will go to marine conservation, which is really important,’ said Mrs Harrison.

Isabella Blackwell, 10, and Elica Ferguson, 9, said they had been practising hard for the song.

‘It’s quite exciting and we’re singing with our friends. On the beach we got to jump over the water,’ said Isabella.

Elica said they had all been coming to school on Sundays to practise.

‘It was quite exciting, though you can be really nervous when you’re filming because lots of people are going to see it,’ she said.

However, the single was not where the excitement would stop for some of the singers.

Impressed by Canto soloists during the song, Mr Smart invited six of the girls to feature in a West End show he has created with Brian Watson.

It is titled Call Me Diana and explores the life of Princess Diana.

A preview of the show will be given on 19 September at which the Melrose students will take part in two performances and feature in a song both at the start and the end of the show.

‘There is a lot of talent over here and it’s great that it hasn’t gone unnoticed,’ said Mrs Harrison.

The six girls will go to London in August and live in the city while they take part in intense rehearsals, even missing the first week of school to perform.

Darcie Harrison, 11, and Leah Kairsingh, 9, are two of the six girls selected for the performance.

Darcie said it was exciting to be involved.

‘I’m looking forward to singing and dancing in front of lots of people,’ she said.

Leah also thought it would be a special experience to perform.

‘Just being on stage and acting,’ was what she was most looking forward to doing.

Miss Owen is head of music at the school and said it was great to see the excitement brought about by both the single and the West End performance.

‘It’s an experience of a lifetime, they’ll always remember it.’