We aim to provide a focal point of the Catholic music tradition to the diocese in order to inspire others towards musical excellence. It seeks to engage young people in the diocese with their faith through music.
The Nottingham Schools Singing Project was launched in September 2021 and already works with over 400 children on a weekly basis. It is aimed at enhancing musical education in Catholic schools in the diocese. It has been made possible by generous funding from the Hamish Ogston Foundation and the National Schools Singing Project, who are doing an excellent job of reaching out to dioceses across the country to help more children interact with their faith through music.
The programme seeks to teach the music curriculum in schools with a faith-based focus, using sacred music as one of the primary tools in teaching music. It provides schools with the opportunity to have the music curriculum covered by experienced and trained professionals who also run regional choirs which enable children to have access to further musical education.
Music professionals take 30-minute classroom singing sessions, teaching vocal technique, part singing, musical terms and their applications, and lots of enjoyable songs.
It has a performance-based focus and works towards concerts in schools and an annual Carol Service in Nottingham Cathedral, which all children are offered the opportunity to attend.
The programme has enormous benefits as it helps children to find their voice and grow in confidence in the use of their voice and personally. One headteacher remarked it does a great job in developing their knowledge and skill.
The Cathedral Choir is a combination of auditioned local singers and our Choral Scholars. They rehearse each Friday from 7.30-9pm for the 11.15am Solemn Mass each Sunday, occasional Choral Vespers (3.45pm on Sundays) and major diocesan events.
In addition to performing music to enhance the liturgy, the Cathedral Choir maintains a lively concert schedule throughout the year.
Gregory studied music at Canterbury Christ Church University where held the Chapel Choir Conducting Scholarship for two years. During which time he received mentoring and tuition from Christopher Gower, David Flood, Patrick Russill and David Allinson. Alongside his study he was a deputy Lay Clerk for Canterbury Cathedral and graduated from CCCU with awards for highest degree, highest performance mark, and the Elizabeth Vogan Award for Singing. He studied a Masters in English Church Music under Jonathan Wainwright at the University of York which he completed alongside a choral scholarship at Blackburn Cathedral. During this time, he specialised in English Catholic music of the 20th century, particularly the liturgical and musical influences of Sir Richard Runciman Terry and Dom Gregory Murray OSB. Following his scholarship at Blackburn Gregory became a Choral Scholar at the beautiful Norwich Cathedral before taking up the post of the Director of Music in Nottingham. Gregory is responsible for the music life of the Cathedral, and the delivery of the Schools Singing Programme in the diocese, aiming to expand the musical opportunities for the young people of our diocese.
