American Museum, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD

Sat 16 June 2012: 10am to 3pm  Led by Jane Harris

Come and spend a day at the American Museum and its beautiful gardens.  We will sing in the Museum’s new performance space – the stunningly converted Stables, and on the magnificent terrace with views of the Limpley Stoke valley.  With an all-American theme, we will enjoy American spirituals, gospel harmonies and folk songs. 

At lunchtime you may picnic in the gardens or visit the excellent Orangery Café.  The Singing Day will end at 3pm, allowing you time to visit the Museum, celebrated for its magnificent decorative arts collection – including over 200 historic American quilts – or wander through the extensive grounds and Arboretum.

Relaxed, fun and rewarding.  Open to all.  No need to read music.  All music will be taught by ear on the day.

£20* including entry fee to the American Museum and Gardens
This event is now fully booked.  Please contact Jane to go on a reserve list in case of cancellations.

Morning refreshments included.  Please bring a bottle of water and also a picnic if you wish.

[*£18 for American Museum Members - please register through the Museum: email workshops@americanmuseum.org or leave a message on 01225 820866]

The American Museum is situated in Claverton Manor on the outskirts of Bath near the University.  Frequent buses run from the City Centre.  Parking available.

Cancellation policy: If you have to cancel your booking and give us 4 weeks notice we will refund your money less 20% admin charge.  1-4 weeks notice: 50% refund.  Less than a week: no refund unless your place is taken by someone else, in which case 50% refund.

The Peto Garden at Iford Manor near Bath BA15 2BA

Wed 23 May 2012: 10am to 2pm  Led by Jane Harris

Come and sing in the exceptional hillside garden at Iford Manor, described as “one of the most stunning concert venues in the West Country.”  We will have the garden to ourselves and sing for our own enjoyment, exploring the different acoustics and beauty of each part of the garden including the intimate Italianate Cloister with its exceptional acoustics and atmosphere.  Uplifting harmonies, joyous singing and moments of glorious tranquility all in a magical setting.

Relaxed, fun and rewarding.  Open to all.  No need to read music.  All music will be taught by ear on the day.

Comments from last year’s Iford Singing Day:

“Sheer delight”      “A wonderful experience”

 £20 including entry fee to the Peto Garden
Please bring a picnic lunch and drinks.  You are welcome to stay and enjoy the garden in the afternoon.

Contact Jane to book your place

Judy Eglington, Creative Director of Iford Arts explains what makes Iford so special: “Iford is other-worldly, magical, extraordinary.  It transports you out of your normal existence and gives you space to think about more interesting things.  The Cloister is a perfect tiny arena.”  

Iford Manor (BA15 2BA) is signposted from the A36 near Freshford and from Westwood Village.

Cancellation policy: If you have to cancel your booking and give us 4 weeks notice we will refund your money less 20% admin charge.  1-4 weeks notice: 50% refund.  Less than a week: no refund unless your place is taken by someone else, in which case 50% refund.

Combe Hay Church Sun 4 March 6pm

A Candlelit Service included songs from the Taizé and Iona communities, silence and readings.  Jane taught the songs by ear at 6pm and the service followed, ending at 7pm.

The next Taizé service will be at All Saints’ Church, Dunkerton, Bath BA2 8BG on Sun 15 July at 6pm.  Please sign up for our newsletter to receive details.

For further information contact Jane 07894 205255

An afternoon of

Folk Music and Songs from the British Isles

Combe Hay Church, 3 miles South of Bath, BA2 7EG
Sunday 26 February 3 – 5pm

* David Orme (guitar) * Jane Harris (fiddle) * Rachel Flecker (flute) *

3 – 3.45pm Music and songs
Interval with tea and cakes
4.15 – 5pm Music and songs

Come and join us for lively toe-tapping tunes, lilting folk songs and yummy cakes.  Children welcome.

TICKETS £6 (children £2) including tea and cake

Contact Jane to book or call 07894 205255

Proceeds to Combe Hay Church

VOICE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
led by guest teacher, RACHEL ACWORTH

Develop your voice range and resonance
Improve your breathing and build confidence
Discover the wonderful therapeutic benefits of singing healthily

Open to all, including those who believe they cannot sing.

The next workshop will be in November 2012.  Please sign up for our newsletter to receive details or contact Jane.

Comments from the February workshop:

“Absolutely excellent”    “Full of positive energy”    “Wonderful therapy”

Rachel Acworth is a classically trained professional singer.  She works with singers of all levels using Alexander Technique, Brain Gym and Werbeck singing exercises to enable each singer to uncover their real voice with ease and confidence.

Jane explains the connection with Songways: “I met Rachel when we were both attending the Village Harmony residential weekend in November 2011.  I was struck by the clarity of her voice and the ease with which she sang.  Inspired by one-to-one lessons with Rachel, I am delighted to offer a group session with Rachel here in Bath.  If you ever find that your voice is hoarse or tired after singing, if you wish your voice was richer or had a wider range, if you would like to feel more confident or even if you feel you really cannot sing, then this workshop is for you.”

Rachel received her MMus from The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 1997. Since then she has performed as a soloist in many of this country’s most admired concert venues, including St John’s, Smith Square, St James’ Piccadilly, Worcester Cathedral  and Exeter Cathedral. She has sung with The English Concert under Trevor Pinnock and Andrew Manze, including Prom concerts at The Albert Hall. Her solo oratorio repertoire includes the Bach Passions and Christmas Oratorio, Handel’s Dixit Dominus, The Messiah and Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. She also adores singing French songs, Lieder and British folksongs.

Rachel has taught privately and in many schools over the past 15 years. She runs regular Uncover Your Voice sessions in East Sussex and works with advanced/professional singers and those who consider themselves “tone-deaf” to enable each singer to uncover their real voice with ease and confidence.

CANCELLED DUE TO CONCERNS RE SLIPPERY ROADS AND PATHS

You are warmly invited to a candlelit Service including songs from the Taize and Iona communities, silence and readings.

Singing led by Jane Harris

Come and savour the peace and stillness of our church.

Please arrive at 6pm, when Jane will teach the songs by ear – no experience necessary.  The service will then follow, ending at about 7pm.

All welcome.

Combe Hay is about 3 miles south of Bath, BA2 7EG. Leave Bath on the A367.  At the Odd Down Park and Ride roundabout, take the first exit and then the first right, signposted to Combe Hay.  Drive down the winding road for about 2 miles.  Turn left at thatched cottage into the village.  The church is about half a mile down tucked back on the right just before a sharp left hand bend.  Bring a torch.

For further information contact Jane 07894 205255

BATH Tuesday 24 July 2012

St Luke’s Church, Wellsway/Hatfield Road, Bath BA2 2BD

We are thrilled that PATTY CUYLER, MOLLIE STONE and MALKHAZ ERKVANIDZE from the fabulous US singing organisation, Village Harmony, will be coming to Bath in July 2012 with a Village Harmony ensemble fresh from a week’s intensive rehearsal in Castle Acre, Norfolk. 

Plans are yet to be finalised but will include an afternoon singing workshop, followed by a bring and share supper and an evening concert by the visiting ensemble.  Mark the date in your diaries … further details nearer the time.

“With clear command of radically-varied singing styles and infectiously joyous stage presence, Village Harmony performances always knock people’s socks off.”

Village Harmony Co-Director, PATTY CUYLER, of Chicago, IL and Marshfield, Vermont, is an energetic, dynamic workshop leader and director with special expertise in teaching Corsican, Georgian and South African singing and dance music. Her passion for honest, direct music coaxes fierce, forthright singing out of even the most timid singers.  MOLLIE STONE of Chicago is an expert in teaching South African dance-songs as well as a brilliant director of western choral and gospel music.  Her lively teaching style exudes infectious fun.  MALKHAZ ERKVANIDZE, founder of Tbilisi’s Anchiskhati Ensemble and currently director of Sakhioba, is a frequent visitor to the UK and a sought-after workshop leader. Malkhaz’s good humor and expertise in teaching the vibrant folk and sacred music of Caucasus Georgia delights participants and audiences alike.

Saturday 10 December

Eighty singers from the combined Songways Choirs gathered at St Luke’s Church, Bath on Saturday 10 December for an afternoon full of fun, warmth and festive cheer. 

With an appreciative audience of friends, family and local people we sang our hearts out with joyful rounds, fabulous Gospel harmonies, lively South African rhythms and lilting folk carols, including a new carol by Jane.  An ancient Georgian lullaby and a freely sung spiritual, Steal Away, provided moments of calm and peace.  Mulled wine and mince pies rounded off the afternoon.

The retiring collection in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care totalled £180.  Many thanks to all those who contributed.

Contact Jane.

NEW: Folk Music and Songs from the British Isles

Combe Hay Church, 3 miles South of Bath, BA2 7EG
Sunday 26 February 3 – 5pm

* David Orme (guitar) * Jane Harris (fiddle) * Rachel Flecker (flute) *

3 – 3.45pm Music and songs
Interval with tea and cakes
4.15 – 5pm Music and songs

Lively toe-tapping tunes, lilting folk songs and yummy cakes.  Children welcome.

TICKETS £6 (children £2) including tea and cake

Contact Jane to book

Proceeds to Combe Hay Church

10am to 12.30pm

A wonderful opportunity for all three Songways Choirs to sing in the amazing acoustics of The Octagon, one of Bath’s hidden gems.  Originally built as a chapel in 1767, the Grade I listed Octagon is currently used for exhibitions.  It is a superb light space and a joy to sing there.

We will sing from 10am to 11am, then have an extended break to enable us to get coffees etc. nearby, then sing from 11.45 to 12.30pm

£7 or £5 concessions. Please book with Jane.

Click here to see and hear our last visit.