Music theatre classes and workshops play a major role in the life of our young performers. They are a group of lively young people, mainly from London and Essex , who just love to sing and perform. A large number of them recently completed 18 months performing daily in Bill Kenwright’s West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (New London) and followed this with another of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals, Whistle Down the Wind (Palace, 2006). In addition, children have also appeared in many well-loved musicals, both in the West End and on UK tours, including Mary Poppins, Les Mis é rables, Bill y Elliot; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Annie, The King and I, Whistle Down the Wind, Bless the Bride, Spend, Spend, Spend and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

The Singers were formed in 2000 and began as a group of just 18 children. In August of that year they represented their country at the European Youth Music Festival in Germany where they were a huge success. The choir is always in demand, appearing in many concerts, performing music from the world of theatre and film. They are also proving to be a huge hit at weddings. In 2004 the choir sang in Rome and were also featured on Vatican TV. In addition to singing in Italy and Germany , the choir has also performed in Belgium , Ireland , the Lake District , Lancashire , Essex , Hertfordshire and London . In 2006, the choir took part in a concert in London for Amnesty International.

The children are directed by Carmel Thomas, who has taught music in a number of schools in Essex , Hertfordshire and East London . In addition to the Performing Arts School and the Youth Singers, Carmel also teaches music at Loyola Preparatory School, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, where she directs a boys’ choir (80 boys aged 5-11). The choir has sung in St P et er ’s, Rome , and many European cathedrals. In July 2007, boys from the choir will be travelling to Paris to sing at the Chris tian Dior 50 th Anniversary Fashion Show.

Carmel is a co-director of CK Casting, children’s theatrical agency. She has also recorded a series of educational music CDs, Music Bee – Carmel Plays Series, currently in use in schools throughout England , Scotland and Wales .

Carmel Thomas Youth Singers ctys@mac.com

CK Casting: www.ckcasting.co.uk

Carmel Thomas Performing Arts School : 07944 955186

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