Features

Singing with one of Enfield’s longest-running choirs

Jeni Barker introduces Rowantree Choir, based in Bush Hill Park

credit David Beale via Unsplash
credit David Beale via Unsplash

Rowantree Choir was set up in 1959 as part of an adult education programme. Currently there are over 60 singers and we are led by our esteemed and multi-talented conductor and musical director, Jonathan Rathbone.

Much of our music is arranged by Jonathan and our choir rehearsals are interspersed with fun and laughter. We sing in four parts; soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Like all choirs we would welcome more tenors and basses. Some women are tenors too!

If you don’t know how to read music it really doesn’t matter. We have an amazing accompanist and Jonathan is exceptionally skilled at working with all the parts to sing together. At times we even manage to sing without accompaniment – a cappella. Not only does Jonathan go over the music at rehearsals, but there are also opportunities to practice each part online.

We perform three concerts a year. The next one is in December, which has a Christmas theme with orchestral accompaniment. As well as a short choral work, there are any number of festive songs arranged by Jonathan and carols for audience participation. At Easter, we sing a choral work. The summer concert is a mix of all sorts of music, from shows to familiar tunes through the decades.

If you would like to join, there is no audition and the first term is free. We start rehearsing for the December concert at the beginning of October, so do come along and try us out. And, of course, remember that singing is good for you!

Rowantree Choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm at Bush Hill Park Methodist Church Hall, Wellington Road, Enfield EN1 2RS. For more information:
Visit
rowantree.org.uk


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