Warwickshire News Mine

Although David Lawrence holds the Guinness World Record for conducting the largest choir in the UK (6,846 singers) he leads weekly rehearsals for Lighthorne Heath’s 30-strong estate choir.  David Lawrence, who is Warwickshire based, is best known for his work conducting the City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus and adjudicating competitions such as the BBC Choir of the Year.

’Heath in Harmony’ was the brainchild of Dorinda Hunt, Headteacher of Lighthorne Heath Primary School, who wanted to form a choir as part of her school’s extended services. Dorinda was inspired by Channel Five’s acclaimed programme ‘The Singing Estate’ which brought national attention to music on Blackbird Ley’s estate in Oxford. The ‘Heath in Harmony‘ choir was formed in September and the choir members are aged from ‘14-80’.

Warwickshire’s County Music Service already works with Lighthorne Heath Primary School to provide children from the age of four upwards with the opportunity to sing through its ‘Feel The Buzz’ programme and to take up a musical instrument through its ‘wider opportunities’ initiative.  Sheila Russell who is head of Voice and Choral for Warwickshire County Council’s Music Service helped Dorinder set up the choir and enlisted the support of David Lawrence.

Dorinda Hunt, Headteacher at Lighthorne Heath Primary, said: “Heath in Harmony is about people developing confidence in their own sound and means of self-expression.  People who thought they couldn’t sing have found that they can.  The choir has really brought the community together producing something so much greater than the sum of its parts.  Individual and group talents are developing, along with a new sense of possibility”.

David Lawrence said: “This is a wonderful group of people who have brought a new life to my Monday evenings!  There is a breadth of experience; a number of people taking part haven’t sung for many years, and for some this is their first singing experience – it’s a real privilege to be involved.”

The choir has been invited to perform at The Arc in Birmingham on Saturday 1 December, Guy Nelson Hall in Warwick on 5 December and is also arranging a local concert which will be announced in due course.
The choir was organised as part of the county council’s work in developing extended services in the local community. The aim is to use schools as local bases for activities, meeting any particular needs as well as offering advice and access to information.

If you live or work in Lighthorne Heath and would like to join ‘Heath in Harmony’ please call Dorinda Hunt on 01926 640326.

Link to WCC