MESSAGE BOARD.
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Rehearsing for the Big Sing - Mozart Requiem on 30th June 2018 at the Leas Cliff Hall..
Hi All,
Wow, what a great day we had on Saturday. Thank you to everyone for all your efforts.
Here are some words from Stephen:
"Congrats to everyone - we produced a vibrant and impressive performance of the Mozart - much approbation from orchestra and soloists - and especially the audience as they placed a donation in the buckets!
Bravo - have a good summer.
If you would like to sponsor me - as Tesco saves 'everything little helps - many thanks!
And don't forget Arundel on July 22nd if you feel like a lovely day out.
See you all in September"
And from Pat:
"What a great day on Saturday.
I hope you agree that it was hard work but fun. It was great to meet so many visiting singers and feel the choir working together with our visitors to produce a truly "Big Sing" in the Mozart Requiem.
The feedback on the whole concert has been really positive "superb clarinetist" ; "the choir sounded amazing" were just two of the comments I heard.
Well done everyone. Have a great summer and see you on September 10th."
Di is collating feedback from the day both from our guest singers and from our members. If you have any feedback you'd like to share, both positive and for improvement purposes, please hit reply and let us know!
We've already had some great feedback including:
"Just wanted to say how perfect the Big Sing day was. It was such a fabulous experience to sing the Mozart requiem, and what a friendly bunch of people! Very welcoming for us visitors.
The day was broken up with just the right amount of breaks etc., I was glad that Stephen didn't push us too hard, so that we had voices left for the evening. I thought that he was great. When he criticised something that we had done wrong, he did it with a great amount of humour which was so refreshing.
I only wish that I lived in Folkestone so that I could join you every week!!! It will be a bit of a let down when I go to choir this week and not have Stephen standing out in front!"
Finally, a date for your diary if you fancy doing it all again. Stephen's Horsham choir are doing their Big Sing on Saturday 17 November and we are all very welcome to join them. Their Chair sang with us on Saturday and was very complimentary. More details to follow.
Have a brilliant summer all and see you in September.
Jo
Wow, what a great day we had on Saturday. Thank you to everyone for all your efforts.
Here are some words from Stephen:
"Congrats to everyone - we produced a vibrant and impressive performance of the Mozart - much approbation from orchestra and soloists - and especially the audience as they placed a donation in the buckets!
Bravo - have a good summer.
If you would like to sponsor me - as Tesco saves 'everything little helps - many thanks!
And don't forget Arundel on July 22nd if you feel like a lovely day out.
See you all in September"
And from Pat:
"What a great day on Saturday.
I hope you agree that it was hard work but fun. It was great to meet so many visiting singers and feel the choir working together with our visitors to produce a truly "Big Sing" in the Mozart Requiem.
The feedback on the whole concert has been really positive "superb clarinetist" ; "the choir sounded amazing" were just two of the comments I heard.
Well done everyone. Have a great summer and see you on September 10th."
Di is collating feedback from the day both from our guest singers and from our members. If you have any feedback you'd like to share, both positive and for improvement purposes, please hit reply and let us know!
We've already had some great feedback including:
"Just wanted to say how perfect the Big Sing day was. It was such a fabulous experience to sing the Mozart requiem, and what a friendly bunch of people! Very welcoming for us visitors.
The day was broken up with just the right amount of breaks etc., I was glad that Stephen didn't push us too hard, so that we had voices left for the evening. I thought that he was great. When he criticised something that we had done wrong, he did it with a great amount of humour which was so refreshing.
I only wish that I lived in Folkestone so that I could join you every week!!! It will be a bit of a let down when I go to choir this week and not have Stephen standing out in front!"
Finally, a date for your diary if you fancy doing it all again. Stephen's Horsham choir are doing their Big Sing on Saturday 17 November and we are all very welcome to join them. Their Chair sang with us on Saturday and was very complimentary. More details to follow.
Have a brilliant summer all and see you in September.
Jo
£135 was raised through the raffle drawn on 25th June 2018.
FOLKESTONE CHORAL SOCIETY ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS 2018
For 2018 the annual subscription remains unchanged. £90 is due in September and can be paid in the following ways -
1. In full in September by cheque or bank transfer OR
2. 3 x payments of £30 in September, October and November by standing order or 3 post dated cheques.
BANK DETAILS
CAF BANK : Account No. 00016803, Sort Code : 40-52-40, Reference : Your name SUBS.
Please cancel any existing standing orders.
Thank you message from Berkeley
I would be grateful if you would convey to the FCS members that, at last, I have made good use of the very generous parting gift of money they provided when I left the Society at Easter 2017 after 40 years with them. As you will know, part was used in July to fund a visit to London to a performance of Elgar's Dream of Gerontius. With the rest, two items have been purchased recently.
One is a replacement amplifier for my hifi system. The old one suddenly developed a fault. The new one should enable me to hear the quality of recorded music (including past FCS performances) undiminished by electronic imperfections and malfunctionings.
The other is a robust conductor's stand. My old one, which I bought at the start of my time with the FCS, fell to pieces during the rehearsal for my last concert with the Society and cannot be mended. This might have been divine intervention telling me it was really time to go, or metal fatigue. As the new one will get far less weekly use, I hope it will last as long as I do as a conductor.
With thanks and best wishes
Berkeley
One is a replacement amplifier for my hifi system. The old one suddenly developed a fault. The new one should enable me to hear the quality of recorded music (including past FCS performances) undiminished by electronic imperfections and malfunctionings.
The other is a robust conductor's stand. My old one, which I bought at the start of my time with the FCS, fell to pieces during the rehearsal for my last concert with the Society and cannot be mended. This might have been divine intervention telling me it was really time to go, or metal fatigue. As the new one will get far less weekly use, I hope it will last as long as I do as a conductor.
With thanks and best wishes
Berkeley
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Starting year on high note.A man who has brought music into the lives of people in Folkestone and Hythe for more than four decades has been honoured for his work.
Organist Berkeley Hill has been awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to music in Kent. He was the musical director of Folkestone Choral Society from 1976, until his recent retirement. He also used to train the University of London Wye College campus choir and run its opera section. In 1972, Mr. Hill was appointed the director of music at Hythe`s St. Leonard Church and continues to run three of its choirs. He is also the founder of Shepway Singers, a choir of 24 people made up of both professional and amateur singers. Mr. Hill said :"I was very happy to accept this award, which I know was instigated by the communities of Folkestone and Hythe. It has been a pleasure to serve them for over 40 years". |
Text transcription taken from the local press January 2018.
Taken from Kent Live 10 Jan 2018
The Folkestone Choral Society has praised their former leader who was awarded a BEM in the New Year's Honours List. Dr Hill was the musical director of the Choral Society for 40 years. The Folkestone Choral Society has offered their congratulations to their former leader who appeared on the 2017 New Year's Honours List.
Dr Norman Wesley Francis Berkeley Hill of Hythe was awarded a BEM for services to music in Kent. A spokesperson for the society said: "Heartfelt congratulations from Folkestone Choral Society to Berkeley Hill on his recent BEM award! "The society is privileged to have had Berkeley as its musical director for 40 years. The society's singers will cherish the memory of all the concerts that he has led in beautiful church settings, the prestigious Leas Cliff Hall and SAGA Pavilion.
"We have gained tremendously from Berkeley's great musical knowledge, encouragement and devotion to the choral tradition and is delighted that, since his retirement in April 2017 from the role of musical director, he has been appointed honorary vice president of the society. "We wish you good health and unflagging energy to continue with your other choirs and to be able to enjoy your semi-retirement with your loving family." Dr Hill moved to Kent in 1970, and his BEM is a "fitting tribute" to his work for the local music community spanning decades.
The Folkestone Choral Society has praised their former leader who was awarded a BEM in the New Year's Honours List. Dr Hill was the musical director of the Choral Society for 40 years. The Folkestone Choral Society has offered their congratulations to their former leader who appeared on the 2017 New Year's Honours List.
Dr Norman Wesley Francis Berkeley Hill of Hythe was awarded a BEM for services to music in Kent. A spokesperson for the society said: "Heartfelt congratulations from Folkestone Choral Society to Berkeley Hill on his recent BEM award! "The society is privileged to have had Berkeley as its musical director for 40 years. The society's singers will cherish the memory of all the concerts that he has led in beautiful church settings, the prestigious Leas Cliff Hall and SAGA Pavilion.
"We have gained tremendously from Berkeley's great musical knowledge, encouragement and devotion to the choral tradition and is delighted that, since his retirement in April 2017 from the role of musical director, he has been appointed honorary vice president of the society. "We wish you good health and unflagging energy to continue with your other choirs and to be able to enjoy your semi-retirement with your loving family." Dr Hill moved to Kent in 1970, and his BEM is a "fitting tribute" to his work for the local music community spanning decades.
Folkestone Choral Society Christmas carol singing event in Folkestone shopping precinct in support of Pilgrim`s Hospice on 16th December 2017.
A good number of members turned out for this event.
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Braving the winter cold singing carols in aid of Pilgrims Hospice
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Coffee Schedule
Don't forget that we need people to sign up for the coffee schedule. Your support is very much appreciated.
Don't forget that we need people to sign up for the coffee schedule. Your support is very much appreciated.
Committee Vacancy
Please note that our Librarian Hilary Moseley stood down at the last AGM. It is essential for the functioning of our Choral Society that a new Librarian be appointed. Members should consider their willingness to fulfil this very important role.
Please note that our Librarian Hilary Moseley stood down at the last AGM. It is essential for the functioning of our Choral Society that a new Librarian be appointed. Members should consider their willingness to fulfil this very important role.
Ken Tee Retiring
Pat has announced that Ken Tee has decided, after over 40 years, to 'leave' the choir. However, as he is an Honorary Member that really just means that he won't come to rehearsals and perform with us any more - he will remain an honorary member! He is hoping to come to our concerts and he wishes us and Stephen well.
We are very sad that he's not joining us singing any more after so many years and after so much commitment that he has given to the choral society, but we completely understand his reasons and send you gratitude and very best wishes, Ken (he's still on this mailing list!). We look forward to seeing him again soon at a concert.
Pat has announced that Ken Tee has decided, after over 40 years, to 'leave' the choir. However, as he is an Honorary Member that really just means that he won't come to rehearsals and perform with us any more - he will remain an honorary member! He is hoping to come to our concerts and he wishes us and Stephen well.
We are very sad that he's not joining us singing any more after so many years and after so much commitment that he has given to the choral society, but we completely understand his reasons and send you gratitude and very best wishes, Ken (he's still on this mailing list!). We look forward to seeing him again soon at a concert.
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An Evening of Celebration of Berkeley`s Forty Years with Folkestone Choral Society was hosted at Hythe Bay School on 22nd April 2017. Music & Entertainment was provided by Sian Battenfield on Harp, Margo Rusmanis on Violin and vocal tributes by Paul Young and the FCS Committee. John Woodward recited his own very witty poem in a "tongue in cheek" look at Berkeley`s career.
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Hired Music - A Plea from the Librarian
It would be really helpful if you are able to erase any old markings on receipt of your scores and then please use minimal light soft pencil marks during rehearsals. No felt tips/highlighters etc.
Please make sure that your score is returned immediately after the concert, there are crates for copies near staging or door.
If you are unable to take part in the performance, please return your copy before hand, or contact me as soon as possible to arrange for its return.
Thank you.
Hilary Moseley.
01303264661
106 NorthRoad, Hythe. CT21 5DX..
It would be really helpful if you are able to erase any old markings on receipt of your scores and then please use minimal light soft pencil marks during rehearsals. No felt tips/highlighters etc.
Please make sure that your score is returned immediately after the concert, there are crates for copies near staging or door.
If you are unable to take part in the performance, please return your copy before hand, or contact me as soon as possible to arrange for its return.
Thank you.
Hilary Moseley.
01303264661
106 NorthRoad, Hythe. CT21 5DX..
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Of interest to members may be these images of previous "Elijah" performance programmes.
The image on the left was the first concert conducted by Berkeley Hill as Musical Director 40 years ago. The image to the right was a performance given before the formation of the FCS. The choir was then the known as the "Folkestone Orpheus Choir" and they performed with other choirs in the district for this performance.
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ChoraLine - SATB Voice Part Rehearsal & Learning CD`s & MP3`s at ChoraLine recordings are learning tools, specifically created to help choral singers memorise their vocal line and practise between choir rehearsals.
On your ChoraLine recording you will hear a synthetic reconstruction of the music at a neutral tempo and dynamic, featuring a voice-over that provides helpful instruction in the form of count-ins and entry cues.
A specific ChoraLine recording has been created for each voice part, represented in the foreground by the sound of a corresponding orchestral instrument; on the Soprano disc, the part is represented by the sound of solo flute. Alto is represented by the oboe, Tenor by the French Horn, and Bass by the Bassoon. Orchestral instruments, rather than real voices, are used to play the vocal lines for added clarity and to provide a wordless melody line. Decisions regarding nuances of performance, language and pronunciation - are therefore left to the discretion of your choirmaster.
The discount code for our society is FOLKESTONE
On your ChoraLine recording you will hear a synthetic reconstruction of the music at a neutral tempo and dynamic, featuring a voice-over that provides helpful instruction in the form of count-ins and entry cues.
A specific ChoraLine recording has been created for each voice part, represented in the foreground by the sound of a corresponding orchestral instrument; on the Soprano disc, the part is represented by the sound of solo flute. Alto is represented by the oboe, Tenor by the French Horn, and Bass by the Bassoon. Orchestral instruments, rather than real voices, are used to play the vocal lines for added clarity and to provide a wordless melody line. Decisions regarding nuances of performance, language and pronunciation - are therefore left to the discretion of your choirmaster.
The discount code for our society is FOLKESTONE
NOTICE FROM OUR LIBRARIAN - HIRED MUSIC : information for new members (and a reminder from old stagers)
The music we perform is hired from libraries and other sources by our librarian, Hilary Moseley (01303 264661, mosemob@tesco.net). A small hire fee is charged to cover our costs. All music to be handed in at the end of each concert in order for it to be returned promptly. In the case of members being unable to sing in any concert it is important to get the music back to Jill so that fines may be avoided. She also requests that markings in the score should be minimal, using a soft pencil, as they often need to be erased before return.
The music we perform is hired from libraries and other sources by our librarian, Hilary Moseley (01303 264661, mosemob@tesco.net). A small hire fee is charged to cover our costs. All music to be handed in at the end of each concert in order for it to be returned promptly. In the case of members being unable to sing in any concert it is important to get the music back to Jill so that fines may be avoided. She also requests that markings in the score should be minimal, using a soft pencil, as they often need to be erased before return.
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FOLKESTONE CHORAL SOCIETY is now on facebook. Click on the FACEBOOK Logo below to link in or go to www.facebook.com/folkestonechoral 
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INTERNET SHOPPING. Enjoy all the benefits of online shopping at such stores as Amazon, John Lewis or Marks and Spencer and generate income for The Folkestone Choral Society. You pay the same prices as on the retailers` main sites (often lower than high street prices). The commission earned by The Folkestone Choral Society comes out of the retailers` marketing budgets. Just click "easyfundraising.org.uk" button below. |
We are actively seeking good quality photographs relating to the Society, historical notes and good reviews from past performances for inclusion in this web site. If you have such information and/or good quality photographs for inclusion please contact Bob Steer - Email robertsteer99@googlemail.com or phone 01303 891042. Your comments and contributions are always welcome.
EMBROIDERED FLEECES & MUSIC BAGS.For details of fleece jackets and music bags with choir logo embroidered click on file opposite for prices and order form.
Fleece jackets come in eight different sizes from XS to 4XL and in seven different colours. They are 100 per cent polyester super anti pill micro with full length zip and 2 zip pockets. Quadra book (music) bag - polyester. Covered name Card holder. One main compartment + interior zip pocket. Capacity 5 litres (37 x 30 x 6 cm.) |
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FOLKESTONE CHORAL SOCIETY 100 CLUB.
Folkestone Choral Society 100 Club was set up as a fund raiser for Members to join. It replaced our monthly raffle. Since it started the Society has benefited by approximately £350 each year.
The draw year begins in January and £10 buys a number which is added to ten draws throughout the singing year. Late comers are welcome at a cost of £1 per remaining draw. There are three cash prizes per draw. Half of the total raised for the draw is returned in cash prizes and the other half goes to Society Funds.
We currently have 65 members. Hiliary Moseley (Soprano) is the person to contact if you would like futher information.
See our dedicated page giving more details of the club and details of past winners etc.
The draw year begins in January and £10 buys a number which is added to ten draws throughout the singing year. Late comers are welcome at a cost of £1 per remaining draw. There are three cash prizes per draw. Half of the total raised for the draw is returned in cash prizes and the other half goes to Society Funds.
We currently have 65 members. Hiliary Moseley (Soprano) is the person to contact if you would like futher information.
See our dedicated page giving more details of the club and details of past winners etc.