Singing on a high with the Village Voices

The recent performance by the Village Voices choir in Narraghmore was a very successful debut for a group which only officially formed in May, writes Brian Byrne.

And as a result of their gig at the Community Barbecue, they have since received requests to sing at other events as well as seeing new potential members come along.

"We're delighted with the response," says musical director Joy Gordon, who told the Diary that the group came out of an ad hoc gathering before Christmas last to sing carols. "We had a few practice sessions first in Mel's pub and then did our Village Christmas Carols. Later, Annette O'Brien approached me and suggested that we reform the group and maybe have a choir to do something for the community."

They put the word out locally and found that there was indeed an interest. "It was surprisingly easy to get going, it only takes two or three to get together first, then each brings a friend and it grows when people come back. It really has been spread through the community, by word of mouth more than anything else." 

There are currently 15 members in the 'Voices', all women at the moment but men are very welcome to join. They come from Narraghmore, Kilmead, Suncroft and similar local areas.

They rehearse in The Old Hardware on Tuesday nights, from 8.15pm, and anyone who wants to get involved is quite welcome to turn up and give it a try.

While some in the group have sung with other choirs, notably in Kilcullen and Newbridge, for others it's the first time they have sung in public. "No previous experience is needed, I think that's very important," says Joy, who has lived in the area for the past 18 months. "It's very relaxing, and it was a great way for me to meet people, and it's the same for others in the group." She recalls that in the first get-togethers it was 'a very level playing field, no pressure on anybody'. "For the first couple of nights there were only three people there, but all three of us thoroughly enjoyed it. It set a tone of warmth and friendliness."

Even though they're together only a short time, the Village Voices have already a repertoire that includes songs by The Beatles, Mary Black, and other well-known singers. "It's quite broad, different genres, the idea being that it will appeal to everybody, that's its not just formal choir church music."

Joy says the emphasis is on just giving people an opportunity to get out for a while from their homes and work lives. "When you're singing, you forget about the children, you forget about the office. It's just spending a little time nurturing yourself, just getting a bit of space. It's so energising, the ladies go home on a high."

Further information from Annette O'Brien 083 4549737.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy