A NEW youth choir has started up in Malvern.

September 14 saw the first meeting of the Malvern Link Youth Choir, helping young people understand beats, rhythms and pitches to aid their musical development.

The choir is led by singing teacher Es Hoyle, who has led community singing groups for over 20 years.

She said: "Anyone who can speak can sing, but only with support and nurture can we expect children to be confident enough to do it.

"I have been concerned throughout the pandemic when I have heard young children saying that ‘it’s unhygienic to sing’.

"We need to engage young people in singing and allow them to experience the joy of singing together.

"The last couple of years have been tough for the young, with their education, social development and mental health all affected.

"Now Malvern Link and Cowleigh Parish are supporting musical education for young people in the form of a youth choir aimed at children from key stage two upwards, with an additional young singers group aimed at key stage one children.

"It was so refreshing on Tuesday to watch children interacting, having fun and learning to sing with enormous smiles on their faces.

"They are already looking forward to sharing their music in a concert for their parents later in the term.

"The Reverend Phillip Johnson, a keen musician and music lover himself, has been very supportive, recognising the need for affordable opportunities for all children."

The sessions involve active listening and movement to reinforce understanding of beat, rhythm and relative pitch and to make musicianship accessible to all children. There are still places available. Everyone is welcome.

For more information about the Youth Choir, contact Es Hoyle on 07837735188 or look up the group on the Malvern Link and Cowleigh Facebook page.