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Christmas concert clips - December 2014 in Avening Church

Avening Angels Community Choir

Avening Angels Community Choir Come and join us Continuing the village’s long tradition of musical endeavour, Avening Angels was established about four years ago to provide an outlet for the many people who like to sing in the shower or hum along to the car radio. Founding Choirmaster and organist, Stuart Walkley, cajoled a handful of unsuspecting volunteers from Avening and the surrounding area to come together to make vocal music in a friendly and unchallenging environment. Under Stuart’s gentle guidance the group gradually grew in confidence and began to perform a range of choral music for its own entertainment and occasionally in public. Known variously as ‘Almost Angels’ or even ‘Fallen Angels’ the choir has grown to include about 20 people of widely-varying talent who meet once a week for about an hour to practice and experiment with a wide selection of songs and choral works. The types of music which have been performed to date include popular ballads, old time, Christmas carols, folk and religious compositions. Members are encouraged to suggest their own favourite pieces for inclusion in the repertoire. While the emphasis is on having fun, the choir also likes to stretch itself with occasionally challenging pieces in four-part harmony, as well as some easier sing-along numbers. Avening Angels performs in public about once a month at village events such as the School and Church Fetes, Christmas carol sessions in the pubs and religious occasions such as Easter and Christmas in Holy Cross Church and St Michael’s in Tetbury. Performances have also been given for the entertainment of residents in Old Quarries and Ilsom House. Bookings are gladly accepted for private celebrations including weddings, dinners and parties. The Choir is open to all-comers of all ages and all levels of musical ability. There are no auditions and it is not a requirement that the singers need to be able to read music or play any instruments. New members are always very welcome and quickly get involved in the enjoyment that is involved in making music together. If you would like to participate as a member, book the choir for your celebration, or just come along to watch or join in a practice session, please contact Derrick Pierce on 01453 835090.