Henley Youth Choir members couldn’t wait to get back to rehearsals which started with the Junior and Senior Youth Choirs meeting at their usual rehearsal times on Thursdays online via Zoom, rather than in person at d:two.
Jessica Norton, Musical Director of HYC said, “We have taken the decision that, certainly for the first half of the upcoming term, we will stay online using the same format that we did last term. Hopefully, there will be more clarity in a couple of months’ time and we will of course keep the singers informed as matters progress.”
This follows a very successful summer term which saw sessions held over Zoom; “I have really enjoyed the online sessions, they have been great fun!” was the overwhelming response from the young members. The term finished with an online performance in July, attended by fifty-nine families including the Mayor and Mayoress of Henley who said it was, “a brilliant evening!”
This was echoed by parents, who commented, “The virtual rehearsals proved to be a real success and it was great that everyone had the opportunity to perform at the online performance.”
The organisers of the Youth Choir were keen to continue sessions when lockdown started in March and were pleased that they were so successful. Fi Harding, HYC Administrator and Manager said, “We weren’t sure how the youngsters would find the online sessions and so were delighted when we got such a positive reaction.” One member of the Senior Choir said, “I really enjoyed the online singing sessions in the summer term as it helped to stay hopeful during a strange time.”
Another said, “I enjoyed Youth Choir because it was nice to keep singing during lockdown, and to see friends and familiar faces was lovely! And also, being a part of something and still going and having fun is why I enjoyed it so much!”
Asked whether they would return for the new school year, the three sisters who have been members since the Youth Choir started said, “Yes! 100%, It’s such great fun.” Jessica added, “The Youth Choir restarting is particularly important as a way to enjoy singing as we are aware that not all school choirs will be able to meet and so any singers are very welcome to come along and join in”.
Fi Harding said, “We are looking forward to continuing the virtual sessions, on Thursdays (5.30-6.15pm for Juniors and 6.15-7.00pm for Seniors). We welcome new members and anyone interested in joining should contact me on [email protected]. There is also more information on our website www.henleychoralsociety.org.uk/youth-choirs.”
