INFORMATION TO PARENTS

Who are St. Leonard’s Club ?

S. L. Club is a choir for young people aged from seven and over. The aim of the choir is to be a stepping stone for young people who already have an interest in music, which they would like to develop and expand further. They meet on Monday evenings at St. Leonard’s church between 6.45 – 7.45 p.m. in term time. There is no audition to join – any child who is enthusiastic to sing in the choir and can attend regularly will be welcome.

How is St. Leonard’s Club run ?

The choir is run following the structure of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) ‘Voice for Life’ scheme. The repertoire of the Voice for Life scheme introduces the members to the fundamentals of singing as well as deepening their musical knowledge. The singing skills include learning to read music and ‘sight’ singing, while at the same time the young people have fun singing and performing with others. They will move through the ‘Voice for Life’ levels of achievement (marked by the award of badges and certificates) as their singing skills develop. The members will have the opportunity to take part in courses and festivals organised by the RSCM in Essex if they wish to do so, and also join in other fun social activities as a group, away from the church.

When do St. Leonard’s Club perform?

S. L. Club contribute musical items to the worship at the Family Service and informal Family Eucharist at St. Leonard’s church, normally on the first Sunday of each month. They also sing for weddings, both with the adult choir and on their own, and this contribution earns them a small payment.

Who runs St. Leonard’s Club?

Sally Pudney is the choir leader. Many of you will know her from the adult choir at St. Leonard’s in which she has sung almost continuously since 1982. Sally taught for 25 years at Hamilton Primary School in Colchester, and ran many choir and orchestral groups at the school in that time. She has finished full-time teaching to pursue other interests.

Graham Bell assists with organization, and also helps with training and rehearsals. He sang in the adult choir at St Leonard’s for over 16 years, and currently sings with a number of other musical groups in the Colchester area.

Colin Hetherington accompanies S.L.Club on the piano.

Elizabeth Appleton comes to alternate weekly practices to teach the music theory and help with the aural training that is needed to pass the R.S.C.M. ‘Voice for Life’ awards, by taking the members into the Shepherd Room in pairs or small groups. Elizabeth is also a qualified teacher.

In accordance with the P.C.C.’s Child Protection Policy, Sally, Graham, Colin and Elizabeth have all undergone the appropriate checks.

Photographs of members of S. L. Club are sometimes taken on trips and after special performances for use in publicity about the choir’s activities within the Church. Wider interest in S. L. Club has led to photographs appearing in the local press, and a brief film appearing on Anglia Television. If you object to your child’s image being taken and used in this way please tick the relevant box on the registration form

What to do now.

If your child is keen to join this singing group, please contact

Sally Pudney on: 01206~563368

Or

Graham Bell on: gbell7@ntlworld.com

2009