A performance by a primary school choir was proof that music can improve self-confidence, social cohesion and students' understanding of other subjects The government must focus on music lessons in schools. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images A story of pure music-educational inspiration today – and not an El Sistema in sight. At , the national festival of musical education at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Abbott Community Primary School kicked off the whole event with half an hour of singing. Nothing unusual about that: except this wasn't a crack children's choir...
photo: Kamaran Najm
![Chicago Children's Choir backstage at Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Jay Pritzker Pavilion competes with Ravinia Festival as a Chicago land outdoor music venue.[50][51] The pavilion hosts free music events such as Gospel Fest from spring to fall.](http://cdn1.wn.com/vp/i/4b/8517171df6a452.jpg){kind=small}
