Devon Music Service, in partnership with Exeter Cathedral have successfully received governernment funding to encourage high quality singing in the county's primary schools and to significantly expand opportunities for music-making across Devon.

This project is part of a nationwide outreach scheme and is a major strand of the Music Manifesto's National Singing programme led by composer Howard Goodall who has been named as a new "singing ambassador".

During the spring term 2007, four Exeter primary schools took part in highly successful choral singing workshops with choristers from Exeter Cathedral Choir. The songs were then performed at a special concert in Exeter Cathedral where parents and supporters attended in large numbers.

Following this success, 9 new schools, from Exeter, Teignbridge and South Dartmoor will now be given the opportunity to participate in 2007/08. Stephen Tanner [Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral School since 1987, Assistant Organist and Director of the Girl Choristers at Exeter Cathedral] will be Musical Director for the project and the outreach work in Devon schools will be supported by a team of highly talented singing animateurs.

As part of this collaborative programme, Rachel Smith will be conducting a new Devon Junior Choir in Exeter. The Choir is open to all Devon children, Years 3 - 8, and will meet on Saturday mornings, 9.30 - 11am in Kalendar Hall, Exeter Cathedral School, starting on 22nd September. The repertoire will be wide ranging and include music in many different styles.

The project is one of a number of exciting singing initiatives being made available for Devon schools as Devon Music Service joins forces with other key partners such as Exeter Cathedral.

The Exeter Cathedral project is part of a nationwide outreach scheme organised by the CSA and MDS. It is a major strand of the Music Manifesto's National Singing Programme.