A children's choir was launched in the year 2000 with the intention to create a fun and friendly environment where children could enjoy using their voices and make new friends. Members have the opportunity to experience many different musical styles, to participate in regular performances, and to develop their vocal and musical skills. They are also encouraged, when ready, to join the main parish choir to sing for weekly services, although there is no obligation to do so.
The choir eventually grew so large (with 40+ members) that it was split into two age groups, the Children’s Choir (for children in school Year 3-6) and the Youth Choir (children in school Year 7-13). However, although they rehearse separately, they perform together for most of our performances.
The youth choirs meet weekly on a Tuesday night during term-time. Each term they work towards a performance and the style of music performed is varied, including sacred and secular, classical, jazz, folk and world music. Past presentations include mini nativity musicals (with actions, dancing & costumes), a full musical performance (complete with orchestra) of Benjamin Britten's
Noye's Fludde, singing for the candlelit carol services at Advent and Christmas in St Giles church and other special services, and performing at fundraising concerts and weddings.
We regularly collaborate with local choirs and groups to put on joint concerts such as 'Zimbe' - an African piece for adult choir, youth choir, and band. One particularly exciting collaboration was with a South African youth choir (
photo right) which involved putting on a joint concert and service with them, with members of the South African youth choir staying in the homes of our older youth choir members for the weekend. We also have informal concerts when members of the choirs can sing, or play instrumental music to each other and family members, in order to gain experience in performance skills.
About twice a year we organise a workshop with another professional musician to give
our singers the opportunity to experience different musical styles and direction.
This is often, but not exclusively, voice-based training. We will shortly be having a 'Psalm Drummers Workshop' which is very exciting, and have also had music and movement workshops, and a 'Sound of Music based - Sol-Fa' evening.
The group has an active social schedule with end of term parties and social events such as going ten pin bowling, theatre trips, firework parties and pizza evenings. We are a very friendly and welcoming group, and new members are quickly made to feel at home.
Members of the youth choirs receive good vocal & musical training. Those singers that choose to go on and join the parish choir can participate in the RSCM
Voice for Life training scheme, and are also paid a small amount of pocket money per quarter (based on attendance and level obtained in the
Voice for Life scheme). Singers can earn some extra pocket money by singing for weddings at the church.
There is no audition necessary, and no fee to join the youth choirs! All children and young people age 7-18 are welcome. For more information on the youth choirs please contact Conductor Leah Perona-Wright on
lperonawright@gmail.com or Parish Choir Director Nigel Perona-Wright on
music@dragonsfire.uk.com
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