The Reverend Craig Huxley-Jones joined in the fun with our children’s musical groups at on Saturday. Canon Craig, who was installed as Canon Precentor and Director of Congregational Development at Gloucester Cathedral in January, got stuck into singing and movement activities at our Barbican House base near Gloucester Docks.

Children in the Junior Singing and Rhythm group were delighted when he joined in their activities with gusto. A keen organist and singer, whose role in cathedral services involves sung worship, he played an enthusiastic part in the children’s three-part harmony and clapping activities. Canon Craig’s experience as the father of a three-year-old daughter and a nine-month-old son was clearly evident in his sprightly participation in a rhythm game involving jumping into hoops.

He was interested to learn about the 40-year history of GAM from our Chair Viv Hargreaves, who showed him the Musicland books used by young learners, created by GAM Founder Caroline Lumsden.

Canon Craig was impressed by the high standard of playing demonstrated by children taking individual lessons, particularly a Grade 6 viola player who was practising her competition piece for the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts.

He talked to new string players taking part in the Starter Strings group, and the Intermediate Strings for more advanced players.

Canon Craig said: “I am very much looking forward to having conversations between the cathedral team and GAM about how we can work together on exciting joint musical events and outreach activities.”

Photos by Rob Lacey.