A GROUP of local boys got together to sing their hearts out under the tutelage of a group who shot to fame on a TV singing contest.

Boys from across York took part in a workshop hosted by all-male a cappella group, Sons of Pitches, who scooped the top prize on BBC2’s The Naked Choir in 2015.

Pupils from Archbishop Holgate’s CE, Fulford and Huntington secondary schools and Hempland, Heworth and Wigginton primaries joined in the fun at Let’s Hear It for the Boys, an initiative commissioned by York Music Hub (YMH).

Around 120 York boys attended the workshop, which took place at the department of film, television and theatre at the University of York last week.

The initiative is part of the hub’s Year of Singing, which aims to raise the profile of singing opportunities for York youngsters, with a particular focus on encouraging more boys to join singing groups.

After the workshop, there was an evening concert, featuring performances from the schools involved and a set from Sons of Pitches.

Archbishop Holgate’s music teacher and Pathfinder lead, Molly Newton who will be the new

strategic manager for YMH

from September, helped organise the event alongside Buffy Breakwell and Tim Burnage from Huntington School.

She said: “The workshops were incredible. The boys were taught about layering sounds, creating harmonies and even learned some beatboxing techniques.

“Sons of Pitches were great performers and highly skilled workshop leaders. They were so encouraging and all the boys who took part had a brilliant time.”

The workshop with Sons of Pitches was sponsored by Yorkshire Education and York Maze.