Annual Report for1995
The Girls Choir started up again in September and began a recruitment drive.
The response outdid all expectations and there are currently 36 members aged
between 7 and 18. We were fortunate enough to receive more than enough donations
from parents to cover the cost of robing the whole choir in time for the Christmas
tree lighting ceremony.
The girls are working on the Chorister Training Scheme of the RSCM, now called "Sing Aloud". This is different to the scheme followed by the boys choir, although some of the medals and ribbons are similar. The girls receive a light blue ribbon at the end of a probationary period (which may vary in length according to age and ability) and after meeting the requirements of the Sing Aloud scheme. The dark blue and red ribbons may be earned by some girls after passing tests and showing sufficient commitment. Some of the girls took part in the RSCM training course held in the Priory after Christmas and found it musically useful.
Because of the numbers now involved in the choir and the enormous range of ability and age it seems fair to all concerned to split the choir into two groups to allow everyone to work at their own level. Those girls over ten years who would like to be in a senior group have auditioned; the standard of singing and sight-reading has been very pleasing. The younger girls and those who either did not wish to audition or who were not of a sufficient standard will remain as the Girls Choir and the auditioned group will be known as the Senior Girls Choir. A much higher level of commitment will be expected from the senior group and it is hoped that they will reach a standard suitable to sing evensong if needed and eventually to visit cathedrals to sing.
The Girls Choir have been delighted to be invited to sing at services in other churches in Dunstable and we are trying now to build up our repertoire and consolidate so that we do not always seem to be rushing to learn something new!
I am very grateful for all the help and support I have received from many people, especially Ray Barlow who has very kindly taken over the accounts, Tony Price and Joe Kendrick who have attended rehearsals and a small group of parents who have been invaluable in helping with robing the girls and folding the robes afterwards.
Marie Price