Singing for enjoyment

8th May 2008

A LOVE of singing and an enjoyment of music is all you need to qualify for a place in Axbridge Singers.

The group, which regularly appears at town events, is eager to recruit more men, but will take on anyone of almost any age.

The choir does not take itself seriously and puts on informal and fun performances, rather than entering rigorously tough competitions.

Musical director Stella Moore said: “We sing all sorts of songs, not just chamber music. We are a very inclusive choir.

“Our repertoire ranges from show tunes, to The Beatles, to madrigals. We also sing a wide variety of African music.”

The choir performed the Big Spring Sing Thing at St John the Baptist Church in April and regularly perform at the farmers’ market in The Square, at the Mayor’s Banquet and at the summer family activities event, The Axbridge Funday.

The emphasis really is on ‘fun’ and having a good time. New members will not need to audition and do not have to be the next Celine Dion or be able to read music. All the choir asks is that you are willing to have a go.

Stella said: “We all love singing and socialising afterwards. We will often go for a drink after rehearsals to cool down our vocal chords.”

People of any age are welcome to join in and the eldest member is 88 years. Joan Bull has been with the choir for about 18 months and travels from Winscombe to sing.

Members are not just from the town. Sisters Shirley Ferris and Joy Reeves travel from Churchill, while third sister Julia Haines makes the journey from Sandford.

The group always enjoys a laugh together, and often end up rolling their eyes when singing outside. Stella said: “We always swear we will never sing outside again, but end up doing it anyway. You’re guaranteed to be half way through a song when a bus or lorry will drive by and make a loud noise.”
The group often sings unaccompanied, but Stella occasionally plays the piano. So if you want to have fun and sing with friends, why not give it a go?

THE FACTS:
• Axbridge Singers.
• Founded: Christmas 2005.
• Membership: 29.
• Who the club caters for: Anyone aged 10-110 with an interest in singing.
• Meeting place and time: Compton House, Axbridge. Every Thursday at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start during term time.
• Musical director: Stella
Moore.
• Who to contact for more details: Club secretary Sarah Kendall on 01749 673971.