Bradninch Festival Choir is an inclusive, unauditioned choir of around 80 singers from Bradninch and beyond of all ages. Directed by Marion Brown, the choir has been singing together since 2011 and has steadily grown in numbers – and reputation!
We often sing in 4 part harmony and learn a huge variety of music from around the world – from 500 year old sacred rounds to pop songs, classical choral classics, African chants, jazzy numbers and songs from musicals. Each session always includes a mixture of simple songs and working on more complex music, either unaccompanied or with the piano.
We usually give two concerts a year in St Disen’s church, Bradninch, performing each December in A Celebration of Christmas and also in A Choral Extravaganza as part of the town’s music festival in June. We also perform outdoors at various town events and have been on tour to Silverton!
The choir is open to everyone who would like to come and sing. Marion is passionate that the choir is about building an accepting, non-judgmental community that sings together to the best of their collective ability. It’s about welcoming all voices without audition and working from there to make a great group sound. Whilst there is a wide range of experience within the choir, no singing experience (or talent!) is necessary, and you don’t need to be able to read music as Marion teaches all the music by ear. Adults of all ages are very welcome, and we also encourage and welcome children aged 9 and above.
The choir is welcoming and friendly, and members enjoy socialising together in the pub together after rehearsals, as well as at post-concert parties and on occasional choir walks and farm picnics. We have also enjoyed singing weekends away together.
New members are always welcome – contact Marion or simply come along any Monday during term time.
