SCHOOL choirs from across Dorset are preparing to perform a concert of original music at a prestigious venue.

Lyme Regis-based music charity B Sharp is bringing One - A Shared Humanity to Lighthouse, Poole, this autumn.

This powerful and thought-provoking concert will feature new choirs from secondary and primary schools in the region, many of which have no formal singing experience.

A select group of 200 young singers taking part come from: Beaminster School, St Michael's Primary School, and The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis, Mrs Ethelston's Primary in Uplyme, St Mary's Primary School in Bridport and St Peter's Comprehensive, and Winton & Glenmoor in Bournemouth.

One is a collection of vocal work composed by John K Miles in response to creative workshops facilitated by B Sharp in schools and the community along the Jurassic Coast.

Commissioned by B Sharp and Soundstorm, this bespoke collection of music has woven together newly written material alongside cherry picked re-imaginings of legacy compositions, to paint a musical picture of our shared humanity.

The piece has been scored for an open access collective of young singers, emerging leaders and world-class professional musicians.

It seeks to engage young people in singing that is both enjoyable and challenging and to cultivate a sense of connection and ownership for all participants.

Ms Saunders, teacher at Mrs Ethelston’s Primary school is delighted with how the project has already benefited her pupils.

She said: "This project is an opportunity for children to find new skills and new areas of confidence.

"Children who previously shied away have taken on solo singing opportunities and it has been truly overwhelming to watch."

This project is also helping B Sharp’s young music leaders and mentors by giving them the opportunity to shadow a professional composer.

*The concert is on Friday November 11. Buy your ticket directly from the Lighthouse, Poole: see lighthousepoole.co.uk or call 01202 280000

B Sharp is providing coaches from Lyme Regis (Woodroffe School bus bay, 5 pm) and Bridport (St Mary’s School, 5.30 pm) for parents families, friends.

Return journey will be £8.

Concessions are available at £5.

Family tickets are £20 for a family of four.

Members of the public should book through B Sharp at bsharp@bsharp.uk.com