Men needed in vibrant choir

Christs Hospital Choral Society is looking for more men to join.
The Christ's Hospital Choral Society are looking for more men to join them SUS-151221-171646001The Christ's Hospital Choral Society are looking for more men to join them SUS-151221-171646001
The Christ's Hospital Choral Society are looking for more men to join them SUS-151221-171646001

CHCS is a vibrant choir, with 70-odd members, a new programme each term, and four concerts in the stunning locations of the Chapel and Big School at Christs Hospital, and St. Mary’s.

And they are currently looking for more ladies and especially men to join them.

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Singing triggers Happy Hormones - just like eating chocolate, but without the calories! And research suggests that singing in choirs has massive benefits, not only socially, but also for body and mind. No wonder then that choral singing is as popular as it is.

Recently retired GP Michael Walter and his wife Jennifer joined two years ago when they moved in to the area: “We were excited to join, not only because we love singing, but also because my wife was educated at CH.

“This is one of the best and most enjoyable choirs, with a friendly music director who is also an excellent conductor.

“We sing wonderful music with excellent soloists and orchestras.”

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Michael, who sang at the Coronation, was a chorister as a boy, like fellow member Jonathan Copeland. Jonathan was part of the Special Choirs in Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral.

He later briefly played in a band, some of whose fellow players went on to enjoy success in the music world as the guitarist for Roxy Music, and as a highly respected music journalist.

Jonathan, who owns local toy company Mulberry Bush and who is a keen genealogist, tracing back his family to the early 1600s, has been a CHCS member for 20 years.

He mentions in particular the musical direction that is extremely good and encouraging. They get very good results out of a choir where not everyone can read music, nor do prospective singers have to sit an audition.

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Although reading music is an obvious benefit, it is not a requirement to join the choir – as long as you can sing in tune you are welcome!

The age range of members is from mid twenties to much older – they won’t tell me!

Although there is a flourishing number of Altos and Sopranos, the men in the choir are hoping to boost their numbers from 20 to lots more.

There is scope for both low and higher voices, as much of the music is split into Tenor and Bass parts.

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Together with the ladies, this forms fabulous harmonies that are GREAT to be part of.

Singing increases oxygen levels, it lifts your mood, it gives incredible satisfaction to be part of exciting concerts. In fact it sounds so good, perhaps there should be singing on prescription…

If you feel tempted to join, please visit www.chchoralsoc.org, or ring Katie Callas on 258403 for further info. Or just come and see us on 7 January, our first rehearsal of the year.

Annual membership fee is £55. We rehearse Thursdays from 7.30 – 9.30 PM during term time in the Court Room at Christs Hospital. Come and join us, you will love it!

Report and picture contributed by Esther Clark.