A GROUP of Radcliffe primary school children had the opportunity to sing their hearts out with an expert who has worked alongside BBC star Gareth Malone.

Lucy Griffiths, who is conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra Junior Choir, dropped into St Mary’s RC Primary School, in Belgrave Street, to give a group of pupils some special tuition.

It was the first of several music education initiatives from Bury Music Service which will culminate in the Children of Bury Sing event at Castle Leisure Centre, in Bolton Street, next April.

Katie Dunne, music lead at St Mary’s, said: “We have been trying to raise the profile of music in the school and provide the children with more opportunities to perform.

“We have been focusing on the school choir and encouraging children to sing more throughout the school, so to have Lucy in to hopefully inspire them even more is amazing for us.

“Music can do wonders for the children’s confidence, I have seen children go from tears at the beginning of a school year when they have to read something in front of the class to performing solos in front of everybody by the end of the year.

“It’s really good for developing their social skills too, it just has a big all-round impact.”

Paul Heaton, head teacher at St Mary’s, said it was nice to bring in experts like Ms Griffiths from any walk of life to inspire the children, but insisted raising the school’s profile was not the reason for such events.

“It’s absolutely all about the children,” said Mr Heaton.

“The skills and confidence they gain through music and through performing are invaluable.

“Everything from teamwork to coping with pressure, it is great experience for them.”

Ms Griffiths, who has worked on several BBC choir series, has also worked throughout the week with pupils from St Andrew’s Radcliffe, Hazlehurst and Emmanuel Holcombe primary schools, culminating in a joint performance tomorrow, September 30, at the Elizabethan Suite in Bury Town Hall.

She said she was hoping to invigorate the children’s enthusiasm for singing and choral music, especially if they have not had the chance to experience it before.

“It’s great for them to experience everything coming together and making a wonderful sound,” added Ms Griffiths.

“Singing can really boost the confidence of children and seeing that is one of the best things about doing these sessions.

“It also improves their teamwork, their concentration and overall performance in school.”

Head of Bury Music Service, Gemma Price, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to acquire the services of someone with Lucy Griffiths’ national reputation, I am sure that both the children and teachers will hugely enjoy and benefit from working with her.”