Members of Harrogate Theatre Choir haven’t been in the same room together for almost a year now, but that has not dulled our choir’s enthusiasm for singing! Thanks to the genius of our MD, Catherine Field-Leather, we’re able to work on new music via video call through Project DistanSing, thus expanding our wonderful repertoire. Last summer, the full choir had great fun recording our self-isolated ‘Super Trouper’ and ‘Here Comes The Sun‘. Our Sopranos then recorded the inspiring song ‘True Colours’ with the Altos responding with their version of ‘Fields of Gold’.
Back in December 2020, we all enjoyed putting together the ‘HTC Christmas Singalong’ and, more recently, you can enjoy our latest self-isolated offering, ‘You’ve Got A Friend’. We also have more Abba in the editing room at the moment so watch this space!
And here’s where you come in… Have you always been interested in joining a choir, but never quite found the time? Well, now you can! We’re inviting enthusiastic musical theatre fans – male and female – to get involved with Project DistanSing over the last few months of lockdown. Here’s everything you need to know…
“I have really enjoyed being part of DistanSing. I have mastered recording my contribution and am amazed at the finished result when all the voices are mixed together. The sound is incredible”. TM
What is Project DistanSing?
Project DistanSing provides a fun way of making music together whilst enjoying a little normality. Through the wonders of technology, solo voices can be recorded and, with a bit of magic, brought together to make a virtual performance that we can share with others on social media! We also use our recordings to support Mind in Harrogate District, our chosen charity.
How will Project DistanSing work?
Catherine provides piano accompaniments for all the different voice parts for each song as well as song sheets. Our virtual rehearsal via Zoom is held on a Thursday evening, which usually starts with a chit chat and a fun warm-up! We then break into smaller voice groups and Catherine ‘visits’ us in our virtual breakout rooms to go through the current piece – highlighting rhythm and timing issues, whilst giving us the opportunity to raise any questions with her.
Is there a fee to join Harrogate Theatre Choir for Project DistanSing?
The fee for this current term is £50.00. The fees are the same for full HTC members.
What will we be singing?
We are currently working on two songs from ‘A Chorus Line’ – the show-stopping finale ‘One’ and the beautiful ‘What I Did For Love’. Also in the pipeline are ‘Singing in the Rain’ and ‘There is Nothing Like a Dame’.
Is there an opportunity to join HTC after the lockdown?
Anyone interested in joining us when we are able to restart our normal rehearsals will go on our waiting list.
How do I sign up for Project DistanSing?
Please email our Secretary with a few details about yourself and your singing experience – whatever it is – to HTCSecretary17@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
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