Why not join?

The Choir has continued its programme of Rehearsals since the Choir year began in September.

January and February are behind us, spring is fast approaching, and the progress of learning new music for our audiences to enjoy is in full swing. Additionally we have several important concert fixtures to prepare for.

“Why not make 2008 the year that you join a Choir? The experience will bring you joy and transform your life.”

(Quote from The Daily Express 1^st January 2007)

Choir work and life is all about friendship, camaraderie; the enjoyment found in making good music come to life and sharing our music.

Rehearsals:

Monday evenings – 7.30 – 9.30pm.

New season of full rehearsals from Monday 11^th September – potential new members welcome.

Function Room, New Century Club, Gorse Hill, Swindon.

Contact: Gordon Smith – Concert Secretary

01793 822495.

The members of Swindon Male Voice Choir are drawn from all walks of life, with the common desire of making music coupled with true comradeship.
Why not come along to one of our rehearsals, which are held on Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Function Suite, New Century Club, Gorse Hill, Swindon, where you will be greeted with a warm welcome and have an opportunity to see how the choir rehearses? If this proves to be not for you, there will be no obligation to join.
Take this opportunity now. We do not ask that you sing like Andrea Bocelli or Russell Watson and the ability to read music is not needed. All you need is a love of music, loyalty and dedication. We will do the rest.
The most often heard quote from new members is "I wish I had joined years ago". Don't waste the years wondering "Can I do this?" Come and see for yourself how easy and enjoyable it can be.

Musical Director Max Brockman-More

Educated at Christ’s Hospital, the ‘Bluecoat School’, Max began his interest in music as a chorister among the hundred voices in the Chapel Choir, where he later became Head Musician, Choir Trainer and Librarian.

Max studied at Birmingham University where he was awarded his Bachelor of Music. During this time he developed his considerable skills as an organ recitalist and accompanist, and first took up conducting as Director of the University Chamber Orchestra. As well as being appointed sub organist at Birmingham’s parish church, St Martin’s in the Bullring, Max was also appointed Director of Music of the West Midlands Police Male Voice Choir. He had to relinquish both these posts when he joined the staff of St John’s School, Marlborough.

Max became Director of Music of the Swindon Male Voice Choir in 1988 and served for ten successful years before relinquishing the post. However he was persuaded to return in 2001 and continues to enjoy the work and camaraderie offered by the choir. In what turned out to be little more than a sabbatical, Max won the National Association of Choirs Millennium Composing Competition and founded the North Wiltshire Young Musicians Choir which, like SMVC, has enjoyed considerable competition success.

Max lives in Marlborough with his wife Kath and their two children, Adam and Alice.

Deputy Director of Music Kate Lock

Kate comes from a musical family, and began playing the piano at an early age. She studied piano, clarinet and singing at the Royal College of Music. Since then Kate has had a varied musical career. As well as being an accompanist and performer she teaches clarinet and saxophone in local schools. When not busy pursuing musical activities and looking after two daughters and a musical husband, Kate enjoys gardening and reading.

Accompanist: Frances Couldridge

Frances received her musical education at St. Hugh's College, Oxford and then at The Royal College of Music studying piano. cello and piano accompaniment under Hubert Dawkes. She has worked as a teacher at Primary and Secondary level and two of her three sons have followed in her musical footsteps, performing and teaching.

Accompanying has always been an important part of Frances's musical life and she has played for a variety of choirs, both mixed and male voice and also solo singers and instrumentalists. Venues she has played in include the Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich, Malmesbury and Sherborne Abbeys, the Wyvern Theatre and most of the churches in Swindon.

She accompanied the Swindon Male Voice Choir for eighteen years touring to Germany, Ireland and Portugal. Returning after a break of five years, she currently shares the accompanying with Kate. Frances also plays for a mixed choir, two school choirs and undertakes free-lance work with local soloists, all of which she thoroughly enjoys.

Anyone who wishes to join the Choir should may either e-mail the Choir from these pages; contact the Secretary; come along to a rehearsal with any Choir member. It is always possible for any prospective member to attend any rehearsal, where they are welcome either to listen or to sing.