The Valley Sings

Arts in the Valley Choral Workshop and Concert- July 21st and 22nd

Following the success of its 2017 Choral Workshop, Arts in the Valley once again held this highly success

ful event on 21st and 22nd July in the Kangaroo Valley Community Hall.

The 2018 workshop was attended by some 80 choristers who came from all corners of the region to participate. This year there was an increase in the number of participants who don’t normally have the opportunity to sing in a group. Also, once again, there were a number of singers representing well-established choirs in the region, including singers from Lydian Singers (Nowra) , Illawarra Choral Society, Serendipity of Bundanoon, Bundanoon Sings, the Southern Highlands U3A Choir, Cantares, Katandra and Exeter Sings.

During an intensive 2-day period, participants were able to study some advanced choral techniques including intonation and tuning, techniques of expressive singing, and clarity of diction. In addition, choristers were taken through some very useful warm-up routines.

The repertoire our singers tackled ranged from African-American spirituals, to settings of Shakespeare, a new setting of Londonderry Air, choruses from Handel’s Messiah and even a light-hearted item from the pen of Flanders and Swann.

Our singers should be proud of what they achieved: much of the singing was of excellent quality and all of their work had intensity and confidence which was indicative of the energy that had been generated over the course of the weekend.

All of this was amply demonstrated in their concert which concluded the workshop weekend.

As was the case in 2017, Sam Allchurch proved to be a very fine director who gave choristers many insights into how a high-quality result can be achieved within a short space of time. Bethany Morris was an able and supportive accompanist throughout the weekend.

The final concert was attended by approximately 70 people who appeared to thoroughly enjoy listening to what this group had achieved in such a short time.

Some feedback from the singers:

" Sam was the highlight of the weekend – thank you!"

" A performing choir in just two days’ practice – absolutely amazing ."

" A wonderful experience – thank you all so much. I’ll be back next year."

What could we do better? ...

" Couldn’t think of a single thing! I love it. I hope this becomes an annual event."

" Nothing, except perpetuate it as an annual event. It’s so good to participate in something of such a high musical standard."

Robert Constable

Performing Arts Director

Arts in the Valley