Bishopmill pupils do Moray proud at Dundee choir event
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Bishopmill Primary School pupils were told "the whole of Moray will be extremely proud" after they performed admirably in the final of the Scottish Primary School Glee Challenge.
Having won Moray wide heat, which involved seven other local schools, on May 7 at Elgin Town Hall, Bishopmill's choir travelled to Dundee to compete in the final at the weekend.
The final took place at Caird Hall and Bishopmill had to be in the top nine of an original list of 175 entrants to make it there – a fantastic achievement in itself.
This was the first year the contest, organised by small Scottish charity the Frisson Foundation, had included Moray since it's formation.
At the final in Dundee, one of the five judges told the 38 Bishopmill pupils that travelled "the whole of Elgin and Moray would be extremely proud of you all after that performance".
Unfortunately the performance wasn't enough to win the competition, with Denny Primary School near Falkirk taking home the main prize. But every pupil from the Elgin school did get a medal and certificate, to go along with the trophies for winning the Moray heat.
Judging was tough, and children were marked on more than just singing. The event is a "show choir" challenge, meaning it's also about dancing and telling a story through actions. Choreography, therefore, as well as vocals and overall performance, forms part of the judging criteria.
Louise Mclean retired from teaching at the school five years ago but, having set up the choir with Joan Allan three years ago, volunteers every Friday and helps out.
She went down to Dundee with the team and told the Northern Scot: "It was an absolutely fantastic performance. We got the bus down and it was all very exciting.
"The day out itself was brilliant and the performance was very professional."
