Shropshire Sings 2024

June 2024 saw the return of Shropshire Music Service’s ‘Shropshire Sings’. The long-running bi annual event, consisting of three outdoor concerts at the West Midlands Showground, featured pupils from 44 county schools singing together as one unified choir. 

With live musical accompaniment from SMS tutors (Sarah Browne on piano, Karen Kirkland on woodwinds, Andrew Jones on guitar, Simon Tomkins on bass and Jerome Auxant on drums), concertgoers were treated to a diverse set of songs spanning the eras - including classics by Nina Simone, Pharrell Williams, Fleetwood Mac and Queen.

A lively musical theatre section provided many memorable moments, most notably an exuberant rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Mr Mistoffelees’!

By now something of an institution within the county, ‘Shropshire Sings 2024’ once again provided testament to the unifying and uplifting power of music, and singing in particular, for children of all ages and backgrounds. 

Many proud parents could be seen in the audiences, and the British weather triumphantly defied the odds with sunshine over the three days! 

Teachers from participating schools shared their thanks for a ‘lovely event’ with a ‘wonderfully varied programme of songs’ with a ‘brilliant live band’. One remarked: ‘it was a great evening’s entertainment for family and friends and a memorable experience for the children – one that they will cherish.’