Former choir members unite
Over 100 former members of a Warwickshire youth choir came together at the weekend for a special concert to mark the departure of their well-loved director.
Garry Jones is stepping down after 14 years leading Warwickshire’s County Youth Chorale on many national and international tours, and through the choir’s performances at important events including the finals of the National Festival of Youth Music.
The singing celebration took place on Saturday 2 January at St Nicholas Church, Warwick, with a programme chosen by the former members. “We each voted for the pieces we liked most during our time with the Youth Chorale” said Julia Mock who is now Music and Singing Inspector with the City of York. “With so many skilled singers we made an amazing sound!”
Some of the chorale travelled long distances to be there. Charlie Hacker, who flew in from Germany, said: “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Garry is a great personality and inspires a love of singing in all he directs. He will be sadly missed.”
“We gave a brilliant and memorable performance” said Garry Jones. “There were so many there who have continued with their music, either as a career or a hobby that I was really quite nervous at conducting them – they are far more capable than I am by now!”
Rehearsals for the concert saw many members meeting for the first time since leaving the choir. A party afterwards rounded off this unique occasion and offered a further chance for members to renew old friendships and share happy memories.
Jonathan and Sarah Roberts had a special reason to be grateful. “Sarah and I met in the Chorale” said Jonathan. “We have since married and brought our new born son to meet everyone – the first pure blood of the chorale!”
During the performance the present Youth Chorale performed ‘How Can I Keep from Singing’ to the delight of the ex members, who agreed that the impressive standard of singing had been maintained.
Hilary Campbell, now an accomplished performer, composer and conductor of foremost London Orchestras and Choirs, was a soprano with the Chorale. She said: “With Garry we learned team work and a deep love of high quality music making, and also gained lifelong friends” she said.
“This is what County Music Services are all about and we were all very lucky to have had such opportunities”.
Garry is not retiring from music-making in Warwickshire. He has taken on the responsibility for promoting boys and Male Voice singing within the county and his boys’ choir is fast gaining a national reputation.
“Singing in a good choir can change people’s lives and there is no way I could give it up altogether” he commented. “I leave the chorale in the excellent hands of Sheila Russell, Head of County Choral Music, and know it has a great future under her direction”.
Anyone interested in the County Youth Chorale or other music opportunities should phone County Music Service on 01926 742630 or visit http://www.musicforlife.net