Emilie Bels, Hull almuna, was recently appointed as York Minster’s inaugural Schools Singing Lead. Find out more about Emilie’s amazing new role, and watch our short video interview at the bottom of the page.

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York Minster joins a network of cathedrals participating in the hugely successful National Schools Singing Programme (NSSP). Emilie Bels, an alumna of the University of Hull (BA Youth Work & Community Development (2019),MMus Music (2020) , PGCE Primary Education (2021)) has recently been appointed the cathedral’s new Schools Singing Lead, working with Church of England primary schools in York and the wider Diocese to deliver outreach in singing and musicianship. This new role aims to offer schools an outreach programme that will give children foundations in music that will last their lifetime and connect them to the rich traditions of church music. Emilie takes time out to tell us more about this fascinating role and her time at the University.

You were recently appointed as the first ever Schools Singing lead at York Minster, can you tell us what a day at work looks like for you and what your job involves?

No two days look the same, so this may be tricky! Some of my time is spent in the office at the Minster, planning and creating resources as well as working with the Learning and Music departments and talking to various schools, trying to get the programme out. The core of my job, however, is to be out in schools delivering the programme. This entails some Kodály-based musicianship alongside learning both sacred and secular repertoire and singing technique.

Can you tell us about York Minster and its significance?

York Minster has been at the centre of Christianity in the North of England since the 7th Century. The building as we know it dates back to the 13th Century, but history is part of the fabric of the building: Roman remains, Norman foundations, Victorian changes, traces of the fires… It has stood through wars and fires and very much feels like the beating heart of York. All of this makes it significant not only for people of faith, but also to anyone interested in history, architecture, and of course, music. It is the balanced combination of a place of tourism while remaining a living church, which makes it very special.

What challenges or unique opportunities have you experienced in your role?

Well, this could be a whole article! To put it briefly, I have been given a completely unique opportunity: to establish a programme from scratch at one of the country’s/world’s most prestigious cathedrals. The possibilities and resources at my disposal are mind-boggling: I can be very creative, come up with fresh ideas, and find the support to implement them. I am very lucky! However, it does have its challenges, particularly figuring out who is who and who does what in this huge organisation. The main challenge is more serious: most cathedrals and churches with a school singing programme use it as a direct recruitment strategy for their choir, which is not the intention here. This means I am working to find a sustainable and regular place for the children involved in the programme so they become part of the music at York Minster – this involves a lot of interesting conversations! Being the first and only person in my role here also means sometimes having to answer my own questions, reach outside of the organisation for help, and make sure I keep track of things so any future “me” doesn’t have to start from scratch.

What do you love most about your job?

I get to teach children singing for a living! I am such a firm believer in the benefits of singing for children, being given the chance to actively play a part in widening those opportunities and making choral singing more accessible is incredible. Seeing children become more confident little singers, and especially hearing them singing things I taught them outside of sessions is the best motivation.

How do you feel that your studies at Hull prepared you for role that you are now in at York Minster?

I am in a rather unique situation, as I use all my qualifications in my current role. I incorporate informal Youth Work thinking into what I do, blend it with my teaching experience, and my MMus dissertation (The Effect of Group Singing on Children and Young People) was the foundation for my application for this role. Additionally, the opportunity to do placements and network with many people through my courses and societies at Hull was hugely beneficial.

Reflecting back on your time at the University of Hull can you share a memorable experience or moment from that time that has stayed with you?

There are far too many to choose from, and graduation seems too easy an answer. One standout memory is the annual 24-hour ju-jitsu marathons for charity, which were always a highlight. However, what truly stands out is being invited to the pub after my very first session and being welcomed with open arms. I never expected to find my crowd so quickly. My first Hull Fair and Bonfire Night with them were quite the experience as an international student! Additionally, being involved in the Barbershop Society provided memorable moments through performances and competitions, and is absolutely responsible for rekindling my love of choral singing.

You are a valued member of our University of Hull Alumni community. What does it mean to you to be part of that community?

To be perfectly honest, I’m still discovering what it means to be part of the University of Hull Alumni community, as it has taken me a while to join the network. However, I am already impressed by the incredible people who have been part of Hull. What I do know is that being a member of this community has given me the chance to share my journey from Hull to York, which, despite being a short drive away, feels like a significant leap. Hull often gets a bad rap, and some might hesitate to acknowledge it in certain circles, but I am very grateful for finding such a welcoming and vibrant place to study and live for the past eight years. I will continue to proudly state that I am a Hull alumna!