Twenty-five Cokethorpe pupils recently returned from a memorable four-day Music Tour to Belgium, performing in a series of historic venues while gaining valuable musical and cultural experiences.
The tour included three concerts at the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk in De Panne, Talbot House in Poperinge and St George’s Memorial Church in Ypres. Performing to audiences ranging from around 20 to 300 people, pupils showcased the breadth of musical talent within the School through a varied programme of choral, Barbershop and instrumental performances.
Based in the coastal town of Oostende, the group balanced a busy schedule of rehearsals and concerts with opportunities to explore the local area and experience Belgian culture. The tour also provided pupils with the chance to visit sites of historical significance, enriching their understanding of the region’s wartime heritage.
Among those taking part was Joel (Fifth Form, Swift), who combined his role as a bass singer in both the Choir and Barbershop Choir with a second responsibility documenting the tour through photography.
“I was a bass in the choir and in the Barbershop Choir, and I also primarily did the photography for the tour, which I have a real passion for. I was really fortunate to be able to do this for the School for the four days we were away.”
The venues themselves provided a memorable backdrop to the performances, combining exceptional acoustics with rich architectural and historical significance. For Joel, one of the highlights was visiting a cathedral and seeing its impressive organ.
Reflecting on the tour, he said:
“The whole experience was wonderful and I am very lucky to have been part of it.”
The Music Tour offered pupils a unique opportunity to perform in distinguished venues, develop their confidence as musicians and create lasting memories with friends. Experiences such as these continue to play an important role in enriching pupils’ musical education beyond the classroom, fostering both artistic growth and a deeper appreciation of culture and history.
