Ampleforth: school choir reaches BBC semi-finals

St Martin's Ampleforth Junior School Choir

The pupils of St Martin's Ampleforth School are celebrating reaching the semi-finals of the BBC Songs of Praise, Junior School Choir of the Year Competition 2012. The school choir is one of six UK junior school choirs to reach the semi-finals, which are due to be filmed in Manchester in February 2012 ready for broadcast, on Songs of Praise, in April.

For the initial audition, the choir recorded the inspirational song: "When the Saints Go Marching In" and the hymn "The Lord is my shepherd" with a solo by chorister Rupert Waley. "I am really excited about singing the solo" said Rupert "but I am also very nervous".

"It is a great achievement for the choir to reach the semi-finals" said headmaster, Mr Nicholas Higham, "It is wonderful that the hardwork of the children and the two choirmasters, Mr. Conyngham and Mr. Little, has been recognised in this way."

The School Choir of the Year competition is celebrating its 10th year and the judges for the 2012 competition will be Russell Watson, Suzi Digby, and David Grant.