THERE is so much more to education than sitting at a desk with a book or computer. Other strands of learning come into play, inside and outside of the classroom, and these can be forms of education which complement the classroom.

Music is recognised as a great learning tool and many pupils in and around Worcestershire are focused on singing, which can reap rewards as well as bringing great pleasure.

Organisations such as the Midland Festival Chorus and Sing UK are working hard within the county to encourage young people to sing within a group – viewing it as a positive life skill which also assists in their broader education.

And it seems the singing bug is catching.

When the 240 voices of the Midland Festival Chorus sing in Worcester Cathedral on Saturday, October 9, among them will be a growing number of Worcestershire pupils – and a few teachers – who joined as a result of performing in Sing UK’s project based on Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace which was sung at the cathedral earlier this year.

Passionate music lover and conductor Malcolm Goldring has long been involved in both music and education as a combined force and is the conductor of the Midland Festival Chorus and a director of Sing UK.

He believes that the benefits of singing have a knock-on effect throughout learning, proven by his long-standing experience as a teacher and lecturer.

“I suppose I was first hooked when I was at my primary school in Scotland but I had lots of opportunities later,” said Mr Goldring.

“That’s one reason why Midland Festival Chorus is so important to me – to offer youngsters today some of the experiences that I had and more.”

Much is reported on the benefits of sport in education and learning, but Mr Goldring believes that singing can be just as vital in providing physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual experiences that can, for a student, be life-changing.

As a member of a choir, discipline is crucial: being part of a group that has to focus on someone (the conductor) and something (the music) requires great personal control, as well as providing an enormous thrill.

Mr Goldring said: “To stand alongside 240 other singers, a large symphony orchestra and four internationally renowned soloists, and perform music that is wonderfully inspiring and uplifting in one of the finest cathedrals in the world is something that we must all dream of at some stage in our lives.

“This is what Midland Festival Chorus and Sing UK offer. It’s about inspiring young people to learn and thrive as a result of their singing experiences.”

Phil Hanson, deputy headteacher at Pershore High School, is another advocate of music as a great educational tool.

So much so that he will be singing as one of the Midland Festival Chorus in October, having heard about the choir when he brought Pershore High School students to take part in the performance of The Armed Man.

Mr Hanson said: “When Colin Kinnear, the concert’s supporter, spoke at the rehearsal of The Armed Man last April he was very passionate about his desire to encourage young people to sing.

“Thanks to his generous support, we were able to take advantage of this fabulous opportunity for our students. They found the experience exciting, enlightening and, with Malcolm as conductor, hugely entertaining.

“Many of those involved have continued to sing through opportunities such as Midland Festival Chorus’ young singers scheme.

“Our students are looking forward to another amazing experience singing with a large chorus, not to mention a symphony orchestra.

“Singing complex music with a symphony orchestra is a great challenge for the students and a great opportunity for those studying music at GCSE and A-level.

“Learning to work as part of a team, listening to others and mixing with people of all ages gives students confidence and, we hope, a life-long love of taking on a challenge and learning something new.”

The student singers share this enthusiasm, even if their perspective on singing is more focused on the enjoyment.

Emilie Westcott , aged 17, who is studying A-levels at Prince Henry’s High School, Evesham, said: “I sang in The Armed Man concert at Worcester Cathedral with my school a few months back and really enjoyed it, and so wanted to take part in something on a similar scale.

“I really feel the benefit of singing in a choir – it disciplines you to show a commitment to others and to the group and to listen to other people, which is vital to help sing together.

“I am able to take these skills and apply them to my other studies.”

Sing UK’s next project in county schools will lead to a performance of Mozart’s Requiem Mass in D minor next spring and Bob Chilcott’s Jubilate with the ESO in Worcester Cathedral. The concert is already close to a sellout.

The audience in the Midland Festival Chorus’ concert next month will be able to enjoy the voices of the new young choral members.

Tickets for the Midland Festival Chorus concert on Saturday, October 9, cost between £8 and £20 and are available from the Worcester Live box office on 01905 611427.