|
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 grew so large that it is now in two age groups, the Children’s Choir and the Youth Choir. However, although they rehearse separately, they perform together for most of our repertoire.
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 have ranged from rock-musicals (with actions, dancing & costumes) such as Resurrection Rock to singing for the candlelit carol services at Advent and Christmas in St Giles church, a service entitled Called for a Purpose, based on the life and work of John Wesley. 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.
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. The group also has an active social schedule with end of term parties and social events such as going ten pin bowling or having a November firework party.
|
