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Thursday 22 December 2011

Bradford Voices


My brisk walk on a decidedly chilly Sunday afternoon was brightened by the festive songs in Roberts Park from 'Bradford Voices'.  They are a community choir based in Saltaire.  I have several friends who are members.  (Singing seems to be something a lot of my friends have taken up in later years.  I might have joined them but I'm too deaf even to hear myself sing, never mind everyone else!  And I most likely sing flat now..)  Bradford Voices meet weekly in the Methodist Church Hall to sing and enjoy music together.  Part of their ethos is that everyone has a voice and is encouraged to sing, whether or not they can read music.  There are no auditions and, though they make a very nice sound, their approach seems to be a lot more 'laid-back' than some choirs.  They do lots of performances and many of them seem to be outside, street-based.  Clearly one of the prerequisites for joining is a good set of thermal underwear!  They had a small but appreciative audience by the Half-Moon Café in the park (funny how no-one likes to sit on the front row) and they managed to keep singing, despite me running around taking photos.

7 comments:

  1. We have no carols singers in France. At least, I've never seen any. I'd like to hear them, I'm sure it must be moving.

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  2. It does look chilly. I think I might have stood to listen.

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  3. Saltaire has so many charming traditions, so glad you caught this one for us! ~Lili

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  4. What a super POV for this capture of the community choir, Jenny! And yeah, it does look chilly!

    All the very best of the season to you and yours!

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  5. Nice composition, Jennyfreckles. In half an hour I am going to friends for dinner and a carol sing. I have no talent, but I have a lot of volume! Sorry you can no longer hear well enough to enjoy it. Hope your memories of carols heard earlier carry you through the season.

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  6. Jennyfreckles, do not let your failing hearing put you off joining a choir, especially the "Bradford Voices" who do appear to be a laid back friendly group.
    It is still possible for you to benefit and contribute to a choir by "tuning into the vibes" and humming untill you register with that resonance one "feels" in the chest when a choir of folk are in full flow.
    I know it all sounds a tad "hippy speak", but then again I am an old hippy myself . . . .

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  7. You sure get up high for your photos! Are those singing Llamas? They are well equipped in this choir with a little keyboard. So sad to learn about your hearing...

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