SongTrees Teachers' Comments

“As I've had the pleasure of working with the children on the SongTrees Project, I have been immensely impressed by the progress they have made in their concentration and their ensemble work.  What a marvellous experience for all!”

Suzanne Davies, SongTrees violin teacher

“Seeing the children so enthusiastic about both learning a new instrument and being able to take part in such an exciting concert has been a most wonderful experience.  They have worked extremely hard and have made so much progress this year!”                                                        

Briar Hitchen, SongTrees violin teacher

“It is so wonderful to see children singing folk song – their heritage – with energy and excitement in Jonathan Wilcocks' terrific arrangements.”

David Hitchen , SongTrees choral trainer

“—A fantastic achievement in such a short space of time.  The children have grasped this musical challenge with both hands, to great effect.  I applaud them and thank them for a wonderful performance of a moving and memorable piece.”

Jo Levi, SongTrees ‘cello teacher

“The SongTrees Cranleigh Private/State School Partnership is an excellent model example of the Extended Schools Initiative that is currently being promoted within the educational sector.”

                     Alita Mills, Head of Surrey County Arts Southwest, LEA Music Advisor

“The children have related and been particularly attracted to all the traditional tunes.  They are completely caught up with the excitement of this entire musical venture!”

Lynda Rice, SongTrees choral trainer

“How refreshing to hear how much children want to practise – they've been totally inspired by Jonathan Willcocks ' incredibly clever new classical work, which is based on good ‘ol folk tunes.  A huge ‘ Bravo' to this next generation of devoted orchestral and choral performers!”

Chika Robertson , SongTrees Director and violin teacher

“It's great for children to work with a ‘living' composer and to be inspired first-hand by the ideas created in his music.  Through working alongside children from different schools and abilities, this Project has promoted their awareness and musical knowledge, plus allowed them to be able to experience the thrill of performance in front of an audience – in a special venue, as well!”          

                                                                            Judith Royle, SongTrees choral trainer

“What an inspiring experience—how many children get the opportunity to work and perform with such distinguished professionals from the age of 7!”

Rebecca Sewell, SongTrees violin teacher

“The Partnership Project is an inspiration to everyone involved.  The children have really enjoyed working on Jonathan Willcocks ' wonderful music and have arisen to this enormous challenge with typical enthusiasm and vitality – the results are spectacular!”

Jayne Spencer, SongTrees cello teacher

“I think it's really great that so many children have this unique opportunity to make excellent music together!”                                                

Ron Tendler , SongTrees violin teacher

“These children have done fantastically well to even tackle this delightful work.  You have to remember they have no musical background, so they have learnt to read music, with only a shared 20-minute lesson, in two terms.  Incredible achievement!”

Hazel Tripp, SongTrees violin teacher

“The SongTrees Project has proven thoroughly uplifting for all concerned, singers, instrumentalists and especially, in my opinion, the parents and grandparents.  The opportunity to work with such an ensemble, headed by an eminent musician, rarely presents itself and is a magnificent experience.”          

                                                                                        Marie Ward, SongTrees pianist

“An opportunity to challenge the children and give them the chance to participate in an important and worthwhile event.  Their hard work and effort will surely be rewarded with a memorable performance.” 

                                                                       Brett Wellcome, SongTrees choral trainer

SongTrees Children's Comments

‘The songs that we sing in SongTrees are much more fun and much nicer to sing than pop or modern music, because you can't sing pop music with your grandparents but everyone knows the SongTrees songs!'

Katherine Chevis, Cranleigh Prep School

‘I just love playing the violin.  Thank you so much, SongTrees – this is an opportunity of a lifetime!'

Laura West, St. Cuthbert Mayne Catholic Primary School.