Salvation Army joint schools choir bridges religious divide

published on 4 Jun 2018

Pupils at two different faith schools in Glasgow have teamed up for a Salvation Army-led choir aimed at encouraging religious and social integration.

Children from neighbouring St Patrick’s Catholic and Anderston primary schools performed a special concert for parents, friends and family at the Salvation Army’s city centre church.

The choir is led by Captain Sarah Butler and Corps Sergeant Major Martyn Bellshaw who hope it will help bring the community closer together.

Sarah said: “The schools have a good relationship but we wanted to do something that would bring pupils together on a regular basis. The choir is designed to be fun but we also hope children will learn that their ability to sing and spend time together can extend beyond rehearsals.

"Children are our leaders of tomorrow and play a key role in bridging divides, whether that's on a social, religious or cultural level.

"We've been singing together for about four years now and their performance tonight was something special.”

The choir had audiences singing along and the children were given a standing ovation as they wrapped up their performance with a moving rendition of A Million Dreams from the film The Greatest Showman.

Gifty Appiah, whose daughter Kyla is part of the choir, said she was amazed at how good the singing was. “It was fantastic," said Gifty. "The kids really benefit from the choir and the talents of Sarah in leading them. Kyla loves singing and being part of it all.”

Kyla, a primary four pupil at St Patrick’s, said: “That was so much fun. I've been practising together now for a couple of years so to be part of a concert for friends and family was amazing. I love the choir and I’ve even made new friends from Anderston Primary along the way.”