David Meiklejohn writes about the work of the National Schools Singing Programme and how a committed collaboration has brought this initiative to The University of Glasgow. David is the Principal Adviser of the programme in Scotland and is currently Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Glasgow, providing programmes in Liturgical Music to undergraduate and post-graduate students in the School of Education.
The National Schools Singing Programme (NSSP) was originally envisioned to serve all Catholic dioceses in the UK, to create or enhance their own quality music programmes for children educated in Catholic state schools. It has now widened its portfolio to encompass some Anglican churches and schools (which include York Minster), as well as a few Scottish non-denominational state schools. Its grant funding is available to develop financially sustainable projects designed to enhance children’s holistic learning while engaging with their parishes and communities. For those involved in Catholic contexts, it can provide an important channel for Evangelisation. We record our gratitude and appreciation to our generous benefactors, The Vinehill Trust.
Sir John Rutter
The internationally renowned composer, Sir John Rutter, is delighted to be a Patron of the National Schools Singing Programme. ‘It is a truly groundbreaking initiative bringing the benefits and joys of singing and learning together to primary schools while also rapidly broadening the foundations of the UK’s world-leading choral tradition. As a composer who has always enjoyed writing music for young choirs to sing, I have witnessed at first hand the thrill of children learning to read music and exploring the potential of their voices in schools, churches and cathedrals. What a marvellous gift the NSSP is giving to our future choral community!’
Over one hundred children from the Dioceses of Aberdeen, Motherwell and Paisley gathered in the Memorial Chapel of Glasgow University on 18 April 2024 to sing with Sir John. The music chosen was John’s own Look at the world and A Clare Benediction.
Children had been practising this music for several weeks in their schools with Choral Directors James Greechan, John Horton, Gordon Jack and Jane Howie. John Rutter led an informal lunchtime concert for forty teachers and student teachers from the St. Andrew’s Foundation for Catholic Teacher Education.
The music continued into the evening when Sir John, in conjunction with Katy Cooper, Director of the University Chapel Choir, conducted several works including a performance of his Missa Brevis. It was an exceptional day for all concerned.
University of Glasgow Children’s Choir
The above notable event was both rare and inspiring, reminding us of the often-varying experiences of liturgical music in many of our parishes and schools. Many diocesan and parish choirs tend to attract mature adults, begging the question ‘where will our choirs be in five or ten years’ time?’ Good quality outcomes in fine liturgical singing are never random, but rather are the product of a dynamic vision, consistent quality training and much determination. As the NSSP seeks to actively contribute in this way in the dioceses of Aberdeen, Motherwell and Paisley, another exciting NSSP innovation has now emerged in the University of Glasgow.
In close partnership with the NSSP, a post whereby a University Children’s Choir can be created, and which is fully commensurate with the University’s vision and aims in relation to civic engagement, has now been established.
This significant initiative not only connects with real-world challenges, but it also fosters creativity, providing inspiration for future study while addressing the needs of a diverse pupil population. This powerful collaboration contributes, in the fullest way possible, to build on the earliest intellectual discoveries of Socrates and Plato, to those of contemporary evidence-based scholarship. In Leeds, when the NSSP programme began, thousands of children now benefit from specialist tuition each week. Lead musicians and consultants Benjamin Saunders and Thomas Leech are proud to reveal that increasing numbers of school pupils involved in the NSSP programme consequently go on to study music, including those obtaining Oxbridge Choral Scholarships. For many, such a route would never have been a consideration, and it is important to recognise that such a transformational and empowering initiative can unlock life-long benefits, both personally, and in the service of others.
David Wynn-Evans, Director, University of Glasgow Children’s Choir
David Wynn-Evans took up post in September 2025, working across several primary schools within Glasgow City Council. David, who is from London, previously worked as Choral Director for Salford Cathedral Music, as part of the NSSP, as well as having experience leading choirs for both adults and children.
The partnership between the National Schools Singing Programme, the University of Glasgow and Glasgow City has enabled hundreds of children in both Catholic and non-denominational schools to receive high quality choral tuition as part of their school week. While this aspect of NSSPs work is not a Catholic initiative specifically, the choir will provide many of the children with meaningful experience of sacred and liturgical music, deepening their knowledge and understanding of its purpose and place within worship and wider cultural traditions.
From this group, and within a relatively short period of time, David has inspired 40 pupils to commit to additional weekly rehearsals on the University campus, forming the beginnings of the University of Glasgow Children’ Choir.
The partnership between the NSSP with Glasgow City and the University is overseen by Professor Roisin Coll from the School of Education. In addition to chairing the steering committee for the University Children’s Choir, Roisín has a keen interest in ensuring Catholic student teachers are knowledgeable about the importance of sacred and liturgical music in the Catholic tradition. In her previous role as Director of the St Andrew’s Foundation, she worked in partnership with NSSP to facilitate the visit of the Diocesan choirs to the University for the John Rutter event.
The Catholic Church – this initiative in context
For a variety of contentious reasons it is has become all too easy to distance ourselves from the clearly affirmed views adumbrated by the Catholic Church on liturgical music throughout the centuries. Unfortunately, music at Mass today can often appear superficial, commonplace, or shallow, demonstrating a less than worthy approach towards the truly great Sacrament it seeks to serve.
The Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1963, states that ‘The musical tradition of the universal church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater than that of any other art [112]. The treasury of sacred music is to be preserved and cultivated with great care. Religious singing by the people is to be intelligently fostered …. and choirs must be assiduously developed’. [114].
Forty years later, referring to Sacrosanctum Concilium in Spiritus et Sponsa, Pope John Paul II stated that ‘Sacred Music is a privileged means to facilitate the active participation of the faithful in sacred celebration’ [4]. It is more necessary than ever to intensify liturgical life within our communities by means of appropriate formation of the pastors and of all the faithful with a view to the active, conscious and full participation in liturgical celebrations’ [7]. Pope Benedict XVI too was a passionate supporter of promoting excellence in liturgical music with many philosophical and theological writings on the subject. In Desiderio Desideravi, Pope Francis emphasises the beauty of what the Spirit is saying to us in the liturgical formation of the people of God. He states that ‘Every aspect of the celebration of the Mass must be carefully attended to’, including song and music [23].
Today, Pope Leo XIV calls singing an act of love and a tool to harmonise diverse voices into a single hymn of praise, symbolizing the unity of the Church. He seeks true worship, the kind that attracts the heart of God and not the emotions of a crowd.
Catholic educators, both laity and clergy must welcome such a profound opportunity to reveal and share our rich musical heritage with future generations, encouraging their active participation to worship more effectively. To deepen children’s capacity for wonder and appreciation, and to optimise their engagement with Our Saviour through the joys of sacred music, is a most laudable aim. Is there any reason why our Catholic schools should not be centres of liturgical excellence? Let all voices flourish once again in the service our Church family, including this corner of the Universal Church in Scotland.