African’s Children’s Choir to perform at Ipswich School

Beverley Steensma, director of music at Ipswich Prep School, with some of the African Children's Choir. Photo: Contributed (Image: Archant)

The inspirational African Children’s Choir will perform for school children and the public at Ipswich School.

Made up of seven to 10 year olds - many who have lost one or both parents to war, famine and disease - they performed at Ipswich School in 2013 and stole the heart of Beverley Steensma, director of music at Ipswich Prep School.

“I witnessed not only how the power of music can transform their lives, but also how it can send a message of hope and endurance out into the world,” said Mrs Steensma, who recently took a sabbatical to join the choir at their base in Uganda.

She met their current members and experienced the work carried out by the Music for Life charity with them and other youngsters living in the slums of Kampala.

“All of the children involved in the choir come from backgrounds of extreme poverty and being in the choir literally transforms their lives.

Firstly by education, as they attend an amazing boarding school run by Music for Life and are supported right through to the end of university training.

“Secondly, during the tours to the UK and the US they get to experience, see and take part in some things that would have been unimaginable for them beforehand. The tour improves their English and gives them huge aspirations for the future.

“I was lucky to meet many young adults who had sung in the choir and who were now training or working as doctors, teachers, nurses, midwives. The enthusiasm of the children in the choir is infectious and their performances are simply breath-taking. I’m sure audiences will come away from the concert feeling the same way I did.”

The public concert takes place at 7pm, May 6, in Ipswich School’s Great School Concert Hall. It will feature well-loved children’s songs, hand clapping, traditional spirituals and contemporary tunes.

Tickets, costing £10 for adults and £5 for children, are on sale now. Email acccharityconcert@gmail.com to book.

Money raised through through tours and sponsorship is reinvested in the choir, which provides care and education for youngsters in some of Africa’s most troubled areas.