The Sound Of Music

Ahead of its annual Christmas performances, the Club Choir’s Chair and Musical Director share details about the preparation required for this festive favourite – and explain how members can become involved.

Words by Annabel Harrison Photography by Rob Cadman

WHEN THE CLUB Choir started in 2012, it had a ‘no auditions required’ policy and this hasn’t changed, confirms its Chair, and original member, Sally Fish. “This is to encourage members to come along and sing, perhaps for the first time in decades.” This sentiment is echoed by the Choir’s Musical Director Ian Holiday, who took up his position at the start of 2020, having joined the Club the year before. “We are adamant that everybody who wants to sing should be able to, so we don’t have an audition process. Please come along and just enjoy singing with us.”

The highlights of the year are the Christmas Carol Concerts, which are the chief reason for the Choir’s existence; members are simply asked to commit to some rehearsals and the performances themselves. “We have a weekly rehearsal

at Pall Mall and another at Woodcote Park, on different evenings,” Ian explains. “I run the same rehearsal twice, so people can attend either, or both if they’re really keen. Attendance isn’t mandatory but the more people who attend a minimum of one a week, the better results we can expect.” Ian also does a recording of each part and makes these available to members so no one is left behind if missing a rehearsal is unavoidable.

Both Ian and Sally agree that enthusiasm is the key to the success of the performances, now and in the past. “Historically the Club had invited external choirs to perform,” Sally points out, “but after canvassing our own members we realised there was sufficient interest to form our own.”

And what a lovely time of year to be singing Christmas carols en masse in the warmth and comfort of the Club. “There’s a certain excitement about getting together again each November,” continues Sally. “Seeing old friends and welcoming new faces, knowing there is a five-week challenge ahead, culminating in three performances across the two clubhouses. By the time we are ready to perform, the atmosphere is electric and there is a certain thrill of singing to an audience of friends and relatives.”

In order to achieve this result, Ian’s four decades of experience stand him in good stead; these include being part of the Manchester Cathedral Choir, directing and conducting numerous church choirs and choral societies, and being Director of Music at three schools, including Epsom College where he taught for 27 years. He prepares early. “By the time the 2021 concerts took place, I had a provisional programme for 2022! We do some well-known carols and then I try to pick a few items that are more challenging; I like people to be surprised at what they can achieve. At the first rehearsal, they might think ‘I can never do that’. But then they can and do, and there’s a real sense of accomplishment.”

When it comes to opportunities for singing at the Club, other than the Christmas performances, the choir’s singing workshops are very popular, Sally confirms. Four times a year, members and their guests meet to learn to sing a three- or four-part song together, followed by a buffet supper and wine. “For about one in five or six of the people attending these, it is their first time singing with us,” says Ian. “We’ve never had the same group of people twice.”

In the meantime, “put the Christmas rehearsal dates in your diaries and simply turn up at the first one – it’s that easy,” concludes Sally. “The Choir Committee will work very hard to put you at ease and make sure you enjoy the social side of the concerts as much as the singing itself.”

REHEARSALS AND THE CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCES

Singers may attend rehearsals at both or either clubhouse. It is hoped that singers will be able to perform at all three Christmas events.

Pall Mall (6.45-8.45pm)

Tuesday 8 November Wednesday 16 November Tuesday 22 November Thursday 24 November Wednesday 30 November Wednesday 7 December (Rehearsal 4.30pm, Carol Concert 6.00pm)

Woodcote Park (7.30-9.30pm)

Wednesday 9 November Tuesday 15 November Wednesday 23 November Tuesday 29 November Thursday 1 December Thursday 8 December (Rehearsal 4.30pm, Family Sing-along 5.00pm, Carol Concert 7.15pm)

Please tick ‘Choir’ on your mailing preferences in the ‘My Account’ area of the Club website to ensure you receive details of the rehearsals and workshops. Information is also available in the ‘Activities’ area of the website.