Fifty singers gathered for a wonderful day singing in the Great Oak Hall, travelling from Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire, Oxford, Bristol and Bath. Jane taught her own songs In beauty may I stand and May you find a place (from her album One touch of nature), and songs celebrating light and beauty. Evocative poems honouring trees provided the inspiration for moving and absorbing group improvisations, creating unique soundscapes. Singers enjoyed walking in the arboretum after the workshop and appreciated the glorious colours on a perfect autumn day.

Comments from singers:

Absolutely loved it
Lovely, lovely day
Such an uplifting and beautiful experience
Excellent setting for a workshop and a great choice of songs

This was the eighth singing workshop in the Great Oak Hall led by Jane:

I love leading singing workshops at Westonbirt. It’s a great opportunity to bring singers together in this beautiful space with songs that reflect the wonders of nature and the changing seasons. 

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Jane Harris is an experienced choir leader and Director of Songways, based in Bath, UK. Jane teaches by ear and loves to explore songs in different ways to enrich and deepen the singing experience. She has a clear, inclusive and enabling teaching style, uncovers the best in singers’ voices and draws people together with heartfelt, resonant singing.

Jane also plays the violin, which she uses to introduce some of the songs. She has a rich, vibrant voice and has released an album of her own songs, inspired by the natural world – One touch of nature. Jane performs with her own vocal group, Rolling Harmony.

A brilliant choir leader – always patient, positive and encouraging
Superb choice of songs & inspirational leadership

The Great Oak Hall is a stunning venue with a wonderful mix of ancient oak timber and traditional construction methods combined with modern light and space. It was built from Gloucestershire oak by master craftsmen and Westonbirt volunteers and was officially opened in November 2000 by HRH The Prince of Wales.

Each year the Great Oak Hall hosts a variety of inspiring exhibitions and sales of art, textiles, ceramics, furniture and jewellery as well as seasonal craft fairs and fun activity days. Set on the edge of Westonbirt Arboretum’s 600 acres of prime Cotswold forest and parkland, it enjoys a glorious setting in an atmosphere of beauty and calm.