Young Voices - Really?

[StaunchMomma]

DS's primary routinely send upper year classes to this and now he's of that age.

AIBU to just not get the point of tens of thousands of kids all singing at the same time? It's hardly a choir situation when thousands of kids are belting out Taylor Swift songs, en masse?

I hear people saying it's an opportunity to 'perform' at a huge venue but it's not really, is it? With that many people singing, it's the equivalent of singing along at a concert, surely?

My son hates singing and loud noises and absolutely hates it when they are made to sing/do dance moves in assemblies. I'm not sure why I should force him to do it.

Surely these things would be better as optional?

I certainly wouldn't be happy to spend out on tickets for it (I've watched a few videos and it looks awful - plus it's a sea of kids so you're not going to see your own) and I don't see that it's fair to force my DS to do it when he won't get anything out of it.

Am I missing something?

YABU - It's a great opportunity, just go and put up with it.

YANBU - It's ridiculous, avoid at all costs.

My daughter went this year and had a great time and I thoroughly enjoyed watching her (binoculars and school banners). They were at the o2 and the whole day involved beat box lessons and similar activities. This was only for children who joined the choir club and wanted to go though. Surely they can’t make your child go though. It did all work out very expensive and it was a very long day and late night for them. She’s not signed up again this year, no complaints from me.

Ours loved it but not for everyone. At our primary only the kids that self selected and joined the choir went seems much better way of doing it

I haven't voted but purely because it's always been optional here so I don't think you should have to endure it but also don't think it's a ridiculous event.

Are you sure they send all the children? I'm surrounded by 8 primary schools and know none of them make it compulsory

Completely optional here. My son is going, he’s in Year 3. He’s very excited.

You know your child, and you know that he will not enjoy an event like this, it isn't for him. It is right to not sign him up, I agree.

I will say though, that for others, to be part of a choir of thousands of voices is an unbelievably uplifting and powerful experience, ineffably affecting, it isn't naff or awful.

I haven't voted as neither of your options apply.

All of mine did it and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
However, at their school, it was the choir that went, and it was up to each child to opt in, only if they want to.

Overall though, I think it is a good thing for dc to grow up taking as many opportunities as are presented - not everything has to be lifechanging or even of a particularly high standard. There actually is something emotional and wonderful about singing with thousands of others. Not everyone has the opportunity to go to a big pop concert or a big sports stadium and do that, so this is another way to do it.

Whole Y5 went at DC's primary. DS hates performing/dance moves etc but actually quite enjoyed it as it was a day out with his friends, a chance to stay up very late and with that many children he was happy enough singing because no one could hear him. He didn't join in with the actions though! As he's someone who isn't really a "joiner inner", I think it was good for him to do it. DD also isn't a performer but is less shy than DS and she had fun doing it. So agree that it can't be mandatory to go, but he'll still have to do all the practising etc in lessons so he might as well go and maybe he'll actually enjoy it.

My DS took part a few years ago and everyone was saying what an amazing experience it was but it left me cold. It sounded like about 10 kids shouting in to a bin and there was no atmosphere whatsoever. The kids seemed to enjoy it but I couldn’t understand why any adults did.

Yanbu.

It is expensive
But the kids love it.

My eldest 2 opted out. Dc3 did it because it was compulsory in his year. He hated every moment from beginning to end. He hated the singing, the songs, the “moves” the t-shirt, the rehearsals, the event itself. He was absolutely exhausted by the actual day. 2 years later it was dc4’s turn and she opted out as it was no longer compulsory. Dc3 still moans about it and uses it as an example of his rotten luck and as a reason why we should all do him kindnesses now such as give him the last slice of pizza.
None of my dc particularly like singing or noisy places and big crowds but I can see why kids who do like that sort of thing would really enjoy it. I would agree with singing in assembly or music lessons being compulsory, and participation in stuff like end of year plays but I don’t think late night out of school events which many will find tedious or boring or overwhelming should be compulsory.

I thought it was dreadful. It's basically karaoke in the O2

Fully optional at ours, kids self select to be in the choir from y3 but even then no pressure to attend YVs. Eldest did it three times, her high school are doing it as well so that’ll be a fourth trip. She absolutely loved it each time and have to say I’m not prone to sappiness but I did find the sight and sound of them all singing together quite emotional. The first year we went there were loads of different acts performing as well, recent years haven’t been quite the same standard of entertainment. Compulsory attendance would be a different matter though, it’s definitely not for everyone.

It can only be optional-school can't insist your child attends a concert after school that means they won't get in until late-my children always got back around 10:30/11-if he doesn't want to go, then just don't give permission.

My kids loved it - DS still talks about how much he enjoyed it and he's nearly out of his teens. They both thought it was an amazing, memorable experience.

Thanks everyone - it does seem like it goes well when it's optional but not so well when compulsory.

I'll be speaking to his teacher and pushing for an opt out.

THANKS AGAIN, I really didn't want to be that parent but it sounds like it's best to step in.x.

At DS2's primary school it's optional. He desperately wanted to be a part of it as he loves singing but unfortunately wasn't selected as too many kids applied. For DS1 however it's his idea of a nightmare so yanbu if it's compulsory and your DC isn't interested.

Ds9 is very excited about it! But our school just gives children in the choir chance to opt in

My dd did it in year 5 I think and afterwards she said it was the best day of her life! But if you’re absolutely sure your son would hate it, ask for an opt out.

My biggest objection is the cost. Its a rip off... tshirts, tickets, parking etc. This is DDs second year and shes reusing last years tshirt and we've been honest about not being able to go to the venue to see it. So its just £5 for the coach.

At least this year the school choir ate practicing together, last year they had videos to learn from!

It was optional at our primary, and both DC did it 3 times as they loved it so much. They're both very shy and quiet but still loved it. I went to watch and I thought it was fantastic, a real experience with amazing singing and dancing. There is more to it than simply singing along. I agree with a previous poster who said it was quite emotional, but I do love live music and shows.

I was expecting it to be rubbish tbh bit ended up looking forward to it each January.

Having said that it should be optional and not compulsory.

But don't write it off. It really is good.

Its optional here.

We applied to go, but they were oversubscribed, so didnt get a spot.
I think it's a great opportunity for kids.

My daughter did this just before COVID struck. Tony Hadley high-fived her so it was well worth it 😁

I accompany my school every year and its the most amazing experience. The sound the choir make, the tuition they get during the day, just having such a long day with friends (we leave at lunch and get home around midnight) is brilliant.

Thanks again for further comments - I can imagine lots of kids loving it, just not mine, and I do think it should be something that's optional.

I have watched some videos of it and it's just not my thing either so if he does end up going I doubt we'll bother with tickets.

I find the idea of kids singing twee songs really cringe, in honesty. We're only just recovering from the feckin Harvest Samba!!! Hell on Earth!!

I also don't like the idea of lots of class time spent on learning songs either, TBH. Mine would be happier doing Maths or something though.

😂😂😂

Did she 'Tony who?'