St Clement’s Choral Workshops

A LEIGH church choir is encouraging people to come and share in a friendly and enjoyable set of choral workshops.
St Clement’s Church is running three free workshops called “Lift Up Your Voice – Come and Sing” on one Saturday a month through July, August and September.
Located in the heart of the Broadway, the sessions offer a chance to try the rewarding tradition of choral singing while enjoying the peaceful interior of the town’s beautiful parish church.
Rory Windass, Organist and Director of Music at St Clement’s, is running the workshops with Niall Windass, who is Cantor at Our Lady of Lourdes & St Joseph, Leigh.
They have designed the sessions to offer general singing and breathing techniques before focusing on a different aspect of the tradition’s rich history.
Mr Rory Windass explained: “In July, we study hymn singing and the use of harmony.
“In August, we study Bach chorales and how these have shaped music, and in September we will study the ancient and more modern music used in both Gregorian and Anglican chant.”
Whether in schools, choirs or community events, singing is well known to bring joy while supporting wellbeing, fostering community and encouraging a commitment to lifelong learning.
Everyone is very welcome to come along to any of the workshops, regardless of singing experience, offering an enjoyable opportunity to dust off an old hobby, be introduced to a new pastime, or simply enjoy a new skill.
The workshops take place on 18 July, 15 August and 12 September, with all sessions running from 1pm to 3pm.
No advance booking is necessary for the free workshops, but donations to the church are welcome.
Those inspired by the workshops are also invited to join St Clement’s Church Choir.
The choir welcomes singers of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced choristers, with no previous musical knowledge required.
Members are a core part of the church’s music ministry, and lead the church’s Sunday 9.30am Mass, as well as festivals, weddings and other special services throughout the year.
Their repertoire consists of a range of liturgical choral music, from hymns and anthems to chants and psalms.
Regular rehearsals take place throughout the year, with times varying between the summer and winter schedules.
And beyond singing, upcoming in the Autumn will a be a set of free “try the organ” sessions run by Mr Rory Windass, offering participants the chance to get hands-on with the organ pipes and keyboards in a beautiful local setting.
To learn more about the workshops, or to enquire about joining the choir, please contact Jane Windass Parish Administrator on 07884148148, or Lesley Todman, Secretary of the Church Choir, on 07712 178337, or email [email protected].
Picture: Rory Windass at the organ of St Clement’s Church
Report by Sophie Sleigh-Johnson
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