FCMG London Children’s Choir -
Summer School 2004

Nearly 60 children attended Summer School at St Teresa’s in Effingham from 22nd to 28th August 2004. As usual the coach got lost on the way, but we eventually arrived at this wonderful venue.

The musical challenge for the week was to prepare a production of La Belle Hélène by Offenbach, and an excerpt from A Midsummer Night's Dream by Britten, as well as a short concert.

We were privileged this year to have Carl Heap to direct our productions. Musical direction was by Grace Rossiter, supported by Steve Jeffes (chorus master), Bearded and Jennie Miles (accompanists) and Ghislaine Morgan (visiting tutor). Stage Management was admirably performed by Louise Gordon, Jessie Holder and Sara Lee - their golden boat was a star of the show.

As usual the hard work of Summer School was lightened by a wide variety of fun activities. At first the children groaned when Carl expected them to do early morning physical jerks, but they really got into the spirit. Many children enjoyed daily swimming in the luxurious indoor heated pool, and there were extra activities most evenings. The late night football game, refereed by Steve, had to end when bad light stopped play. A general knowledge quiz allowed the children to show off the breadth of their interests, and the typically irreverent and funny Cabaret displayed their wide variety of talents.

On the last day our visitors were provided with a late lunch, whilst the children finished packing and rehearsing. This was followed by a concert and a hilarious production of the play-within-a-play from Benjamin Britten's Midsummer Night's Dream in the chapel. We then moved to the hall for the brilliant grand finale - Offenbach's La Belle Hélène.

Everyone went home tired and exhilarated, followed by an enormous collection of lost property.

Look forward to seeing you at next year's event, which will be at a new venue. Keep an eye on the web site for details.

Marilyn Lee, Anna Evans, Patricia Lehner, Stuart Rance, Jayne Cooper (chaperones)