Dales Park School reaches national singing competition final

Dales Park School is among ten schools in with a chance of winning a national singing competition.

The Peterhead school will be hoping to lift the trophy at the national final of the Frisson Foundation’s Glee Challenge 2022 on Sunday, June 19, at the Caird Hall in Dundee.

The public voted on the school’s performance online before the competition’s judges decided which schools progressed to the final. The judges awarded Dales Park a distinction for their regional heat performance.

Dales Park performed two songs – We’re all in this together from High School Musical and the set song Permission to Dance. They added sign language to their performances, demonstrating movement and accessibility. The theme of the competition this year was ‘Togetherness.’

Head Teacher of Dales Park School, Wendy Gibson, said: “We are really pleased not only to reach the national final but also the positive impact it has had on our pupil’s wellbeing. Lockdown was tough so getting the opportunity to perform on stage will be great for them.”

One of the hurdles post-pandemic is getting the pupils used to performing in front of live crowds again. To help with the adjustment, Ms Gibson arranged for the pupils to practice in front of adult audiences. “Recording performances is great but different. There isn’t the buzz of performing live. I’ve had to get them out of the habit of thinking their performance can be re-recorded,” she said.

Ms Gibson added: “Getting to the final is just such good recognition for what the pupils have done. Just doing something different, getting to Dundee and performing on a live stage is just something they have not had for such a long time.”

Cllr Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chair, said: “I am absolutely delighted for everyone connected with Dales Park School. What an achievement! Here in Aberdeenshire, we are lucky to have so many pupils who excel in a range of different types of music. Best of luck for the final Dales Park!”

Committee vice chair and ward member for Central Buchan, Cllr Anne Simpson, added: “I am incredibly proud that a school in Buchan has reached the final of this national competition. Congratulations and all the very best when Dales Park School competes in Dundee for the trophy!”

For more information about the Frisson Foundation’s Glee Challenge 2022 please visit https://www.frissonfoundation.org.uk/