16 January 2019
Choir resumes rehearsals.
We would welcome new voices to our soprano, tenor and bass sections. Anyone who is interested in singing within a fun and learning environment should contact the Musical Director, Secretary or just come along to one of our rehearsals and listen.
2019 looks to be a busy and exciting year for us.
Please come along and support us at any of the events on our Calendar page.
Concert at Sheviock Memorial Hall, April 27th 2019
On Saturday 27th of April, Whitsand Harmony returned to the Sheviock Memeorial Hall in Crafthole village to help raise money for Sheviock Church refurbishment fund. A concert of popular music was performed in a lovely atmosphere and enjoyed by all; £345 was raised.
This concert was the last one conducted by Musical Director Ann Wills who retires after 15 years with the choir. She has taken the choir from strength to strength. Sadly we also lose a much valued tenor in Ann’s husband Vyv.
Whitsand Harmony practice at the ‘Coastal Zone’, Downderry on Wednesday evenings between 7.30 and 9.30 p.m. and welcome new members. (Visit our "Contact Us" page for further information) The aim of Whitsand Harmony going forward is to continue the 30 year tradition of this wonderful local choir formed by Shirley Taylor. ‘Upwards and Onwards’.
The program included many of Ann's favourite pieces from her thirty years with the choir, fifteen of those as MD, including Creations Hymn; All in the April Evening; When I fall in Love; Bridge over Troubled Water; Last of the Summer Wine; Sunrise, Sunset; You Raise me up; The Rose; Cross the Wide Missouri; Softly as I leave You; a Lloyd Webber Medley and Kumbaya. Ann also gave a solo performance of "Count your Blessings" accompanied by the choir's accompanist, Beth Worth.
Retired Musical Director: Ann Wills
Ann Wills began singing at the age of 5 and studied under the late Madge Lucas. She attained her Associated Board Grade 8 at an equally early age and has been one of the South West’s leading soprano soloists for many years.
She has auditioned with the esteemed English baritone singer Benjamin Luxon and sang in a Duchy Opera production of the Magic Flute.
As well as a busy singing career Ann has also found time to play principal Trombone with a number of bands. She recently “retired” from brass playing to concentrate on conducting and coaching choirs. Ann was appointed Musical Director of the St Germans Singers in the spring of 2003.
Ann has nurtured the group into polished performers, with a growing reputation. She has a knack of choosing imaginative and varied programmes to suit all occasions be it a silver wedding, church event, birthday party or fundraising concert. Ann has tested the choir’s musicianship with more complicated and modern pieces, whilst still retaining the traditional favourites of the audience. Many compliments are given to the choir after performances, both for the quality of the singing and the variety of pieces.
Ann continues to be a popular soloist with male voice choirs & brass bands.