Posted on: November 9th 2017
On Tuesday 10th October the singer Natalie Williams held a vocal workshop at Norfolk House. 35 members of Senior Choir attended and threw themselves wholeheartedly into an ambitious programme of warm ups, harmonies and songs.
Natalie is a leading light in the jazz and pop world, and as well as holding a residency at Ronnie Scott's, finds time to collaborate with artists like Jamie Cullum, Incognito and Stormzy, performing in venues including the Royal Albert Hall and the South Bank as well as having a huge fan base internationally.
I thought Natalie might be too busy to visit us at Norfolk House (she is about to release a new album) but she was wholeheartedly enthusiastic about it, in fact she seemed as passionate about passing on her skills and nurturing the next generation as she is about singing and performing.
It was lovely to take a step back and watch and listen as our young choristers interacted with Natalie, volunteering with enthusiasm to take part in her games and singing with hearts and brains fully engaged!
Since Natalie left I have heard her warm-ups becoming part of the rhetoric of the playground; often from the staff room I hear the children bursting into song and even organising themselves into harmony groups.
When Natalie left she said "I'm just down the hill, give me a call, it would be great to see you all again". It's an offer I am sure we will be taking her up on and I wouldn't be at all surprised if the heritage, high standards and discipline we are developing in our choirs at Norfolk House helps to support another Natalie or Jamie Cullum!
Sara Regan
