<span style="font-size: 1rem;">Bradford Cathedral will be open today from 2-4pm for personal prayer and the chance to a light a candle. Copies of the Church of England prayer postcard will be available in the cathedral for you to use.</span>Also, there will be a national one-minute silence at 12noon after which we will be ringing the Sanctus Bell.We would also like to encourage you to tie a yellow ribbon at home in memory of someone or join in, at 8pm this evening, by lighting a candle or lantern in your window, as you 'Share the Light'.
There are places available in the cathedral choir for children in Yrs 2, 3, 4 and 5. Cathedral choristers receive free singing lessons and study for ABRSM and RSCM exams. There are also places available in our community choir for children, the Grace Notes.To find out more, contact Alex Berry, Director of Music: alex.berry@bradfordcathedral.<wbr></wbr>org
The primary responsibilities are to act as a second responsible adult during choir rehearsals and events, keeping an eye out for children who may have any issues, and to assist with tasks like serving refreshments to the children. Daniel Lappin, Choir Matron at Bradford Cathedral, says:“We believe that people with a warm and gentle manner, who can work well with children, will particularly enjoy this role. It is open to adults of all ages. “Chaperones are an integral part of the running of the cathedral choir and we are extremely grateful for all their support. The role is wide-ranging and rewarding, especially as the chaperones get to know the children while supporting them in all their activities at the cathedral." The role is ideal for those seeking experience of volunteering, working with and managing children, safeguarding, and working in a cathedral and/or music department. Choir Chaperones are able to develop lots of skills desired by employers. These include working with others, communicating, making effective decisions, and seeking opportunities for personal development. The role offers regular socialising with children and adults, the chance to be a valued part of our choir family, and the opportunity to experience the long tradition of choral music first-hand. The choir regularly goes on exciting tours and trips both in the UK and abroad, and chaperones are always offered the opportunity to join us for these events. The cathedral takes safeguarding very seriously. A DBS check will be undertaken, and both safeguarding and chaperone training will be provided by the cathedral. You can find out more about the role of choir chaperone, and apply, at https://www.bradfordcathedral.org/music/choir-chaperones/
The new name was revealed as 'Grace Notes'. The group - formerly known as the 'Saturday Singers' - are a children's community choir at Bradford Cathedral that rehearse every Wednesday.We spoke to Alex Berry, Director of Music at Bradford Cathedral and Libby Harborne, leader of 'Grace Notes', to find out more about how the name came about, how the latest piece was recorded, and what the future holds for the choir.Alex Berry:"The name was chosen following a competition on social media, submitted by congregation member Isla Skinner, who will be receiving a big box of chocolates!"Libby Harborne:"I think the name is great because it's a musical pun.Alex Berry:"It's a name that's both fully musical and fully Christian simultaneously. It's also catchy."Libby has also designed the most amazing logo as well for Grace Notes."Libby:"The logo is great as it's eye-catching, and vibrant, and fun, just like those in 'Grace Notes'!"'Our God Saves', by the Grace Notes, was played during the Mothering Sunday service, and we asked Libby how this was picked."I always look at different ideas online, to see what's about, and what works, and I picked it because I like it's catchiness and captures the essence of 'Grace Notes': we're a group of people who just love to sing!"That's the primary focus. It doesn't necessarily have to be perfect; it's about enjoying it and expressing yourself through what you love doing."The next piece by 'Grace Notes' will be premiering during the Palm Sunday service on 28th March 2021, but what else does the future hold for the group?Libby:"On Palm Sunday we'll have an action video of the children doing 'Hosanna', which is a very appropriate piece for the day. They have been learning it for about a month and a half - and they really enjoy singing it - so that'll be a similar video to 'My Lighthouse', with everyone doing individual videos that we'll put together."Alex:"It will be lovely in the future to regain the community aspect of 'Grace Notes'. There's always been a lovely community around it, with the parents and families and, once they're allowed in the building again - we hope from the week beginning the 19th April - that we'll be able to re-capture some of that, and the atmosphere of it, and take our young people to new heights musically!"
