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Sing with us...
Join our Bath choir on Wednesday evenings or the Bradford on Avon choir on Friday mornings, both led by Jane Harris. We sing in two beautiful and spacious venues:- Wednesdays 7:30 - 9:30pm St Swithin's Church, Bath BA1 5LY
- Fridays 9:45 - 11:45am Holy Trinity Church, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LW
We relish the energy, vibrancy and variety of the songs we sing in Songways and are excited by the way singing in harmony can take us into dramatically different sound worlds. Jane plays the violin and we love to collaborate with instrumental musicians for some of our songs – including guitar, flutes, cello and accordion. Singing with Songways is a chance to develop your voice, increasing range and resonance, releasing tension and exploring new singing styles.
Special events for the combined Bath and Bradford on Avon choirs:- Saturday 13 December 4pm | St Luke's Church, Bath BA2 2BD Concert with special guest instrumental duo, Confluence
- Friday 12 December 11:15 - 11:45am | Performance at the Christmas Tree Festival (tbc) Holy Trinity, Bradford on Avon
Interested in singing with us? Please contact Jane to find out more and/or book for a taster session. Please scroll down for term dates and full details. We look forward to welcoming you.
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ROLLING HARMONY AT SHAFTESBURY FRINGE
7:30 - 8:30pm St Peter's Church, High St, Shaftesbury
“Beautiful repertoire, fabulous voices”
“Amazing… sublime”Rolling Harmony is delighted to be returning to the Shaftesbury Fringe with a rich new programme... songs with sparkling texts, tight rhythms and thrilling harmonies. Contemporary choral music, traditional American folk, spirituals and jazz standards. There'll be something for everyone.
Reviews of previous Rolling Harmony events
Rolling Harmony is a vocal ensemble from the South West of England, blending a unique combination of artistic and vocal experience, formed by Jane Harris, Director of Songways. We perform a diverse programme of music rooted in English and American harmony singing traditions. Regular performers at the Fringe, Rolling Harmony includes bass, Ed Bersey and alto, Julia Williams, both of whom sing with Shaftesbury's Palida choir, and singers from Bath, Bradford on Avon and Taunton.
“An exquisite blend of voices and rich harmonies”
“Wonderful… truly wonderful”
“Soul-filling… thank you”Rolling Harmony regularly performs across the South West and beyond, including Bath Abbey, Halsway Manor, Shaftesbury Fringe, Calstock Arts and in the far west of Cornwall.
FREE ADMISSION | Pass the Hat
Photos by Dave Pegg/Ed Bersey
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Choir in a week | Falmouth University Monday 21 July 9:30am to Friday 25 July 3pm Immerse yourself in a creative week of unaccompanied harmony singing in Cornwall, led by Jane Harris, Director of Songways, and Pip Wright, Kana Kernow, a singing leader, teacher and community musician based in West Cornwall. This is a unique opportunity to sing at the Academy of Music and Theatre Arts at the University of Falmouth, in the new CORE building at the St Ives Community Orchard and at Tate St Ives, led by Jane and Pip. The five day course will be a rich choral and cultural experience, with insights into Cornish culture, links to the places where we sing, opportunities to be creative and playful, tips for healthy voice use and effective choral vocal technique, and a chance to take part in a ‘scratch band’ and experience a Nos Lowen (a Cornish Ceilidh).Jane and Pip have co-led successful singing events at venues such as Halsway Manor and Buckfast Abbey. They both compose for choirs, play the fiddle, love collaborating and have a special musical bond. They bring inclusive joy and a rich breadth and depth of experience to all their teaching and music-making."Truly extraordinary complementary double act of leaders” “Jane and Pip complement each other so well… the double fiddles are a special touch”
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Come and sing in the exceptional cloisters and hillside garden at Iford Manor. All the songs and harmonies will be taught by ear by Jane Harris, Director of Songways. Thursday 31 July 2:45 - 5:15pm Iford is an “other-worldly” place with an exquisite garden nestled in a sheltered valley. We will sing in several parts of the garden, including the Loggia, the Great Terrace, the Casita and the Italianate Cloisters. To sing at Iford is a particularly special way to enjoy all that it has to offer: to savour the sounds we create in different parts of the garden, listen to the bird song, relish the privilege of having the cloisters to ourselves, enjoy learning songs and harmonies together and feast our eyes on the wonderful vistas throughout the garden. Comments from previous singing events at Iford led by Jane:“Wonderful choice of songs… a real feast” “Singing, surroundings, weather… all perfect” “Beautiful sensory experience”
Please bring a bottle of water... plus sun hat or umbrella depending on the weather. The excellent Cafe at Iford will be open before the event for refreshments and light lunches. Please note that there are steep steps and uneven paths. Peto Garden, Iford Manor, Iford, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 2BA Map & directions | Free parking in the orchard car park. -
Friday 1 August 1:05 - 1:50pm Wells Cathedral Come and hear Rolling Harmony perform contemporary choral music, American folk, spirituals and jazz standards in the beautiful setting and superb acoustics of Wells Cathedral. Rolling Harmony is a vocal ensemble from the South West of England, blending a unique combination of artistic and vocal experience. We perform a diverse programme of music rooted in English and American harmony singing traditions, thriving on songs with sparkling lyrics, tight rhythms, and thrilling harmonies. Rolling Harmony regularly performs across the South West and beyond including Bath Abbey, Halsway Manor, Shaftesbury Fringe, Calstock Arts and in the far west of Cornwall. This popular eight voice vocal ensemble features singers from Bath, Bradford on Avon, Shaftesbury and Taunton, including Jane Harris, Director of Bath-based Songways, who leads Soul Soundings in the cathedral each January. Audience comments:
“Wonderful… truly wonderful” “Soul-filling… thank you” “Beautiful repertoire, fabulous voices… loved it” “Amazing… sublime”
More about Rolling Harmony No need to book tickets, just come along on the day. Normal entry charges to the cathedral apply General Admission details FREE for holders of Cathedral Card, Residents' Pass or Parish PassUse of the Cathedral is by kind permission of the Chapter of Wells Cathedral
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A week of harmony singing in a magnificent 15th-century abbey within walking distance of Lake Garda in Italy. Sunday 10 to Sunday 17 August Led by John Harrison from Vermont, US, Jane Harris of Songways, and Carlo Pozzoli from Milan We’ll be staying in the beautiful 15th century Abbazia di Maguzzano overlooking the southern shore of Lake Garda, near Desenzano del Garda and the picturesque medieval town of Sirmione. Built in 1490 on the site of an ancient religious house, the Abbey has spotless, simple and welcoming single or twin rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. €990 to €1080 per person depending on accommodation SINGLE en-suite room: €1080 TWIN en-suite room: €990 per person DEPOSIT €200 BOOKING OPENS Saturday 1 February 3pm UK time -
Saturday 6 September 10am - 3pm Led by Jane Harris Great Oak Hall, Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS Sing in the magnificent Great Oak Hall. Songs to celebrate the beauty of the natural world, including Jane’s own compositions. Beautiful melodies, rich harmonies and moments of stillness. All songs and harmonies taught by ear. The singing will end at 3pm, giving you time to enjoy a walk in the Arboretum. You do not need to pre-book a time to visit the Arboretum. Here's what singers said about previous singing workshops with Jane at the Great Oak Hall:"Well worth the journey … beautiful venue … friendly and fun" "Absolutely wonderful" "My first experience of Songways and I loved it"
Registration on the day will be from 9.40am at the Great Oak Hall. Various food outlets will be open for lunch or you are welcome to bring your own lunch to eat in the Hall -
Join American singer-composer Moira Smiley in Bath for an afternoon and evening immersed in incredible old songs and inventive, joyous new sounds.
Singer, composer, and song-collector Moira Smiley has sung in arenas, cathedrals, kitchens, back porches, sound stages, and on glaciers. She has performed with the likes of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Tune-Yards, Tim O’Brien, Eric Whitacre, Los Angeles Master Chorale, New World Symphony, Solas, and The Lyris String Quartet.
Moira has led vocal workshops and residencies at countless universities, colleges, high schools, conservatories, and musical organizations including the LA Master Chorale, Savannah Acoustic Music Seminar, Vancouver Youth Choir, Yale, and Oxford. Moira’s academic specialty is Early Music, and she has developed parallel experience with various folk traditions – especially early American, Irish, and Balkan vocal styles. By exploring the particularities of traditions, styles, and periods, she’s found something uniquely her own.
Moira continues to develop new experiences for singers, and is excited by the opportunity to share music with singers of all experience levels.
In a special collaboration, the evening concert will feature songs from Moira's Rhizome Project album, performed with a string quartet and Rolling Harmony vocal ensemble.
https://youtu.be/RiBSDsVDQU0?si=e1oW2U6GdPSInpwF
2:30 – 5:30pm Singing workshop with Moira Smiley
Discover and develop flexibility within your own voice and range – both technically and artistically. Moira will lead warmups, musical games, and the singing of new and old folk songs in rich vocal harmony. The workshop is open to singers of all levels and ages.“An impeccable musician, gracious, collaborative, kind and open”
7:30 - 9:30pm Moira Smiley, Rhizome Quartet and Rolling Harmony in concert | Doors open 7pm
The Rhizome Project features ancient and original folk songs for soprano, string quartet and vocal ensemble, blending folk repertoire with classical instrumentation. The project celebrates the songs that shaped Moira as a young musician, and the ferocious, multi-textural power of a string quartet to surround these songs in storytelling splendor. Threaded through the ‘chamber-folk’ feeling of the album is Moira’s clear voice, wrapped in arrangements that are simultaneously minimalist and lush, reminding us of our shared 'sugar-in-the-ground' -- an unsentimental, underground connectivity that defies a divisive era.
There are many great places to eat between the workshop and concert, within a few minutes walk.
Parking The closest long stay car parks are Charlotte Street and The Podium.
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Halsway Manor Singing Weekend We are excited to offer our third Songways singing weekend at Halsway Manor, the National Centre for Folk Arts, nestled at the foot of the Quantock Hills in Somerset (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Led by Jane Harris, Director of Songways and Pip Wright, guest tutor from Cornwall. Jane and Pip invite you to a joyous weekend of singing, live music, dancing and fun, learning some of their favourite harmony songs from a wide range of traditions including their own original compositions. Develop your voice and discover new singing styles with inspiring singing tuition throughout the weekend. Read about the Songways Halsway singing weekend last year“Wonderful, marvellous, nourishing, spiritual, inspiring” “Extremely well-organised, beautifully led weekend” “An exceptionally enjoyable weekend of harmonious singing in good company with talented and skilled tutors”
Friday 24 October 4pm to Sunday 26 October 2:30pm -
Rolling Harmony is delighted to be coming to Derby for the first time to lead a singing workshop and to give a concert, invited by three local choirs - Rise and Sing, Rough Truffles and Kaleidescope Community Choir.
Rolling Harmony is a vocal ensemble from the South West of England fusing a unique blend of artistic and vocal experience. We sing a diverse programme of music, rooted in English and American harmony singing traditions. We thrive on performing songs with sparkling texts, tight rhythms and thrilling harmonies. Rolling Harmony performs regularly to capacity audiences including Bath Abbey, Halsway Manor, Shaftesbury Fringe and in the far west of Cornwall.
“An exquisite blend of voices and rich harmonies.”
“Wonderful… truly wonderful”
“Amazing… sublime”Rolling Harmony singing workshops are full of variety, fun and harmony, open to all and enjoyed by a wide range of singers. Singing workshops are led by Jane Harris and Claire Stronach with Rolling Harmony singers supporting each vocal part, providing a rewarding experience for workshop participants.
Review of Rolling Harmony workshop and concert March 2024
2:30 – 5:30pm Singing workshop with Rolling Harmony
Sing with us… heart-lifting songs led by Jane Harris, Claire Stronach and members of Rolling Harmony7:30 - 9:20pm Rolling Harmony concert | Doors open 7pm
Broadway Baptist Church, 166 Broadway, Darley Abbey, Derby DE22 1BP
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A special participatory singing event led by Jane Harris, Director of Songways Join us to sing, harmonise and let our voices soar in the glorious open space of Wells Cathedral and Chapter House. Explore the resonance of this ancient and sacred building. Sing freely and improvise while immersed in glorious sounds. Enjoy heart-lifting songs and rich harmonies that create a sense of stillness and peace. Friday 22 January 7:30 - 9:30pm Doors open 7pm
- We will mostly stand to sing. Some seating will be available.
- Please bring your own bottle of water.
- Do not attend if you have any Covid-19 symptoms or a recent positive Covid test.
- Tickets are non-refundable.
- If the event cannot take place due to the Covid situation or other circumstances, it will be postponed and your ticket will be valid for the future date.
A donation will be made from the proceeds to FareShare South West, the region’s largest food redistribution charity. They take good quality surplus food from the food industry and deliver it to more than 400 charities across the South West. Last year they provided enough food for 5 million meals. -
Saturday 28 February 10am to 5:05pm Workshop 10am - 3:30pm Lady Maisery acoustic concert 4:15 - 5:05pm Registration from 9:40am St Luke's Church, Hatfield Road, Bath BA2 2BD We are thrilled to be hosting Lady Maisery in Bath for a singing workshop and acoustic concert. Individually three multi award-winning artists, Lady Maisery form a unified voice, carrying stories of sisterhood, human struggle, the joy of living and the vitality of song with the “freshest possible take on traditional music” (Folk Radio UK). Their long-standing effervescent collaboration has been described as “adventurous and beautiful” (Mark Radcliffe, Radio 2) “exquisite and thrilling” (The Guardian) with “a generosity of spirit and joie de vivre that seems to emanate from every minute of their recorded output as well as from their exuberant live shows” (Folk Radio UK). The singing workshop is an amazing opportunity to sing with Lady Maisery and is open to all. To round off the day, we will become the audience for an acoustic concert. Concert-only tickets will also be available. Parking Church car park (entrance from Hatfield Road) and on street parking on Bloomfield Road Refreshments Please bring your own drinks/refreshments for the morning and afternoon breaks. Lunch You are welcome to bring a packed lunch to eat in the church. There are also shops and cafes within 5-10 minutes walk.