Voices In Common Folk Choir's new season
An Exeter singing group is going from strength to strength.
Run by Devon music charity Wren Music under their Voices In Common banner, the Exeter Folk Choir Voices in Common has several local concerts under its belt, a national theatre show, a growing membership and a European trip later in the summer.
The choir is based at the Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David's Hill, Exeter EX4 3RG. The group was the first folk choir that Wren Music formed a couple of decades ago and over its long history, the choir has travelled widely, made CDs, been on residential weekends and welcomed other choirs as guests to Exeter.
Most recently they sang for the opening 3 nights of a national tour of a new play by Daniel Bye -Tiny Heroes at the Bikeshed Theatre, Exeter.
Later in June, the choir are looking forward to visiting their twin German choir in Berlin with over 30 singers making the journey from Exeter. They will finish their summer season with a concert nearer home at Sidmouth Folk Week.
Leading the group is experienced choir leader Paul Wilson, co-founder of Wren Music. "There are no auditions, you have to read music and it's not a competition – you just have to want to sing", said Paul.
"We always provide back-up sheet music and lyrics for those who want and it's all a lot of fun".
Choir members often give their feedback “thanks for the enthusiastic music leading and lovely songs” “I’ve made so many friends and learned so much” “Wednesday nights are really special, I couldn’t miss the choir”
Wren Music now runs 5 choirs across the county of Devon. "We're always being asked to start new choirs; singing seems to have become a really popular thing to do", said Marilyn Tucker Wren Music CEO.
The Exeter Folk Choir will be exploring songs from other countries as well as home-grown repertoire like folk songs sung around Exeter. Members can bring along songs they want to tackle and the group welcomes suggestions for new performance ideas.
"It's all a really social as well as musical exercise", says Paul "there'll be a tea and coffee break at each session and sometimes a quick half in the pub afterwards if we're feeling that way!"
Weekly sessions for the Summer start on Wednesday 20th April at 7pm in The Dinham Room, Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David's Hill, Exeter EX4 3RG
All are welcome – there's a weekly charge, but newcomers are invited to come along on the first night free of charge to find out what it's all about.
