The Henley Youth Choir were looking forward to working towards a performance at the Henley Festival Family Day in July. However, as rehearsals could not continue due to the Government lockdown, the Committee and Musical Director, Jessica Norton, decided that it would be great to keep everyone singing and keep everyone’s spirits up!
So, not to be beaten by the lockdown, the Junior and Senior Youth Choirs now meet weekly online, led by Jess, in virtual rehearsals, to learn new pieces, work on their technique and have fun together. Their first rehearsal took place on Thursday 23rd April and was a great success.
Assuming that the Choirs are unable to meet again in person this term, the final session in July will be a virtual performance featuring pieces the two choirs have learned during the term as well as solo performances from any members who would like to sing or play an instrument.
Jess said “We believe it is important to keep the choir going in whatever way possible in the current situation. We want the singers to keep music in their lives and have the opportunity to ‘see’ their friends each week”.
The songs that the choirs will be singing are all upbeat and will be great fun to sing and include ‘My Favourite Things’, ‘Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head’, ‘Rhythm of Life’, ‘Happy’ and ‘Count on Me’.
Fi Harding, Administrator and HYC Manager, said “Our first virtual session was a real success; everyone was very familiar with Zoom and it worked really well. It will be a fun way to keep singing and working towards a performance later in the term. We would love any new singers to join us; they would be very welcome.”
If anyone aged between 7 and 17 would like to join the virtual sessions, please contact Fi Harding on [email protected] or call 07947 658252. The sessions are 5.30-6.15pm for Juniors (7-11 year olds) and 6.15-7pm for Seniors (11-17 year olds).
