Take Part in a VIAM School Event
Information for Teachers
“You saw first-hand how painfully stunted some of our young people are. Immobilised, paralysed by their insignificance.
For them to take part and see such role models was inspirational. It was like watching what they should be- confident,
beautiful young beings with the world and future in front of them. You let them be part of that.
Please never stop what you do- it is the most worthwhile curriculum I can think of ”
Teacher…VIAM2019
The next VIAM School Arena Event is at The OVO Arena, Wembley, on the 19th March 2025
What is Voice in a Million ? What are our events all about ? and Why take part ?
Voice in a Million was set up in 2009; as a promoter of school / singing events, with an under-pinning message that raises awareness of the plight of children in care and the importance of Adoption and Fostering, both in the UK and worldwide.
In the words of Voice In A Million (VIAM) founders and adoptive parents, Robert and Jo Garofalo, “Through the accessibility of music we aim to bring to the public’s attention the importance of adoption and fostering children of all ages. Millions of children need ‘forever homes’ and we must never lose sight of this goal. Adoption is love to a child in care.”
Now celebrating its 16th year, Voice In A Million presents an opportunity of a lifetime for school children from all backgrounds throughout the UK to come together united in song and perform in front of their own family and friends and indeed members of the general public.
VIAM fully endorses not just the psychological benefits to children who are actively encouraged to participate in music-based activities, especially singing, but also the health benefits and the intrinsic feeling of belonging that a choir can bring to a child in care.
VIAM Events showcase some of the finest young singing talent around whilst enabling school children to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of singing together in front of thousands. All the children taking part receive tuition, encouragement and support.
Individually they are given the chance to shine and join our ever-growing ‘Voice’, knowing that their involvement makes a difference to the lives of children less fortunate than themselves. Through dedication, passion and the voice of our mass choir, Voice In A Million’s message is growing and getting stronger every year.
” As mum to two wonderful adopted daughters I am humbled by your work on behalf of the thousands of children in the UK in need of a family, Voice in a Million is an inspiration to us all ” …….. Achievement for All
What is involved if we take part ?
Our Annual Schools Arena Events, each night involves around 5,000 to 6,000 schoolchildren of all ages, performing a set list of songs in the arena, as part of the VIAM Choir. On Stage we also have a number of smaller choirs and selected soloists, that together form our stage choir. These sing the lead vocals and additional harmonies for each song in the set list. At our Theatre Events, we have between 300 and 500 children on stage.
There is also an audience of between 5000 and 6,000. In theatres, our audience is generally between 750 and 1,000.
Parents of all choir members are given the opportunity to buy their seats in advance of the event going on general sale to the public; If parents are not sure where their child’s group is placed in the choir gallery, they can select “best view of my school’ as a seating option and name their school. We will put them in the best available seat to see their child at the time of booking.
BOOK YOUR SCHOOL PLACE
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Step 1
Once a school registers, we send them access to all of the rehearsal materials, along with any documents they may need. There is a small charge for the rehearsal materials; as we supply music that has copyright involved and the fees cover all mechanical royalties to the copyright owners; and any royalties payable to the owners of the master recordings. The charge also covers the downloads of all the materials by all of the school choir members.
Registered Teachers can log in and access all the rehearsal materials, video guides, lyrics and music scores. Teachers can also access the necessary documents; Health and Safety, Risk Assessments etc’. Once your school has registered, you will be sent login details for the VIAM Materials. This will give you access to all that you need for your school to take part. Use TEACHER LOGIN in the main menu bar
We provide all the tools you need.
Generally the school groups rehearse on a regular basis at school; and if you wish, we can arrange for one of our team to come along to the school to run a workshop of all the songs they need to learn.
In advance of the event, we require names of every child taking part, to ensure they are entered correctly into the event programme; We supply the school with all documentation to send out to parents etc, to make the job easy to administer.
On the day of the event, the schools arrive early afternoon, and using the choir tickets provided they gain entry to the arena. At the entrance to their to their seating block within the arena,. This is followed by a full scale rehearsal of the show, for the choir and all the technicians. We try and make this rehearsal as much of the overall experience for the children; as possible.
The Evening performance starts at 7.15pm, with a 20 minute interval, the finishing time is around 9.50pm,
We endeavour as much as possible to get a balance between the performance being a mass choir choral event and a staged production. This we have found creates the best experience not only for those watching but also those taking part, particularly the younger ones from Primary Schools.
In addition, to enhance the experience even further, we are also offering schools that take part, the opportunity to join our stage choir on stage for one number. Places for these spots are taken fast as stage space is limited.
You can see videos of our previous event HERE; and see how much the children enjoy taking part.
You can also read HERE from a Teacher or Parent’s point of view; about their VIAM experience; and what it meant to their children and pupils.
If you wish to register your school or group for one of our next events, taking part is easy and involves a minimal amount of administration for the school. Many schools that don’t have choirs also participate with their pupils for a fun and educational experience.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST ?
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- The Actual Admission to the event for School Choirs is Free
- There is a £100.00 (plus VAT) charge to cover the cost of all the rehearsal materials necessary, inc licence and copyright fees.
- Every Child in the choir wears our Voice in a Million Choir T Shirt. These cost £14.50 each. These are compulsory
- Chaperones / teachers wear our Voice in a Million Teacher T Shirt. These cost £14.50 each. These are compulsory
- A minimum of 10 participants is the requirement for a group taking part. We require a minimum of one chaperone / teacher per 12 children.
- A member of VIAM staff will respond by email to confirm your booking and the details you have confirmed below.
- Upon registering an invoice is raised for the £100.00 for the rehearsal pack;
- This secures your group’s place.
- Once registered, we send you access to the VIAM Materials. The school / teacher then sends invites to each of their group for them or their parents/ carers to access the Parents Page.
- Registration for each member is required to guarantee a seat in the choir. No seats are available to any pupil / choir member not registered.
- Please ensure you understand our terms before registering, If in doubt please call the office, or complete a general enquiry form.
How do we sign up to take part ?
Simply register your school with us, by pressing the red Button ‘Register Your School’ or selecting the link in the ‘Quick Links’. This will take you to the registration page. Complete your details and send us an approximate number of children taking part from your group. This number can be adjusted up or down, at any stage. We generally find that once the group starts rehearsing, the numbers of children wanting to join the group or choir starts increasing.
Once registered, you will need to enter your teacher details in the members Login section on the top right of this page, to join us as a Teacher Member access to the rehearsal materials for your particular event. We will also email you with a welcome pack including forms to print and send to each of your parents.
All details for the parent are included in the forms.The majority of our schools ask their Parent Teacher Association to assist in this.
Teachers, Parents and all choir members taking part are given access on the website to all of the rehearsal materials to download. Both the Teachers Area and the Parents Areas are password protected. Once registered, you will receive the password details.
