Please note (if interested in joining):
regular practices & most performances take place in and around
the Stroud area of Gloucestershire, UK.
Acapellies
Acapellies Community Choir was born in 2015 after a conversation with a few singing friends, who all then joined. I wanted to start a choir that was willing to perform publicly and be creative in their performing. We initially gathered in Star Anise cafe in Stroud; from then onwards the choir began to grow and develop. In 2020 we weren’t allowed to sing together any more; we tried for a little while online but later sang outside in the cafe courtyard, which worked very well acoustically.
In 2021 I created our first public performance piece – The Gratitude Project – in response to the Covid crisis. It was more than just a concert; we sang with dancers and rose-petals and flames and water. Since then we have performed Songs of Fortitude, Sanctuary, Archaea, Inconsolable, Resonance and WildSong, all of which were performed on several occasions. We have sung them in London, Bristol, the Forest of Dean, and in different venues all over the Stroud District.
The maximum number of singers is 40.
Acapeeps
Acapeeps Community Choir was started in September 2024 when I was receiving many expressions of interest in joining Acapellies choir. Acapeeps choir started with 15 people in Star Anise cafe, meeting on Wednesday evenings but rapidly outgrew that space. Practice sessions then migrated to the Shambles Hall.
Acapeeps Choir is SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) and now has 43 singers.
We predominantly sing polyphonic world music but also some other arrangements and original compositions of my own. Our recent performance consisted of peace and social-action songs at Stroud’s first Peace festival.
Springhill Singers
I have been running Springhill Singers at Springhill Co-housing in Stroud for the past 22 years. People come and go (it’s more of a drop-in choir than my others) but some have sung with me for all of the 22 years! The co-housers love having local people from outside entering their community to sing with them. Some live next door and almost all live within walking distance. I myself live 5 minutes walk away.
We’re all very familiar and comfortable with each other in Springhill Singers. There are 38 members.
Gold Choir
This multigenerational group began in 2023 following a request from local parents who wished to sing “adult songs” but couldn’t attend traditional choir rehearsals due to childcare. Gold Choir is uniquely inclusive, allowing participants to bring their children and babies, with members ranging from six weeks to over 70 years old. Originally meeting in the Gold Room at the Center of Science and Art, we have recently moved to the Museum, where we sing songs of the seasons and from around the world every Tuesday mornings in term-time. With about 20 regular adult attendees, and 10 children, this daytime singing group provides a space for those with young families to enjoy beautiful harmonies and friendly connection in a supportive environment.
Harmony Singers
This “extraordinarily bonded” group meets for harmony singing on Wednesday mornings at the Museum and has been active since 2022. It originated from discussions about the winter fuel crisis and received council funding to support isolated community members. The choir is currently full with 26 members, primarily aged 50 and over, who have formed firm friendships through their weekly meetings. The sessions are designed to be accessible, costing only £4 per week, and follow a structured format of one hour of singing followed by social time with tea and cake. This group emphasises social connection, providing a therapeutic space that helps participants manage the anxieties and griefs of human life.