4th February 2010

YOUR CLUB OF THE MONTH: Sidmouth Gospel Choir

THE Sidmouth Gospel Choir is an inclusive, community choir, under Christian leadership but open to people of any faith or none.

Bookings this year have included weddings, charity concerts in North Devon and Sidmouth and at Exeter Cathedral for the ‘Night of a Thousand Voices’ Big Sing event on 18th December where they will round off the evening’s busy programme with ‘Total Praise’ and ‘O That People Everywhere’.

The gospel choir was ‘born’ on September 6th, 2003 under the leadership of local voice coach, Colleen Bleazard, supported by Angie Carney. When Colleen emigrated to Australia in May 2005 they went into hibernation for a while.

A year later, in May 2006 the choir came together again under the direction of John Montgomery. Before moving to Devon to take up a teaching post at St Nicholas CE Junior School, John was a soloist with the United Christian Gospel Choir in Essex. John stepped down from his leadership role with SGC in February 2009.

In the summer of 2009 the choir were delighted to have Andrew Hague join them as Musical Director.

Andy began his musical career with theRoyal Marines and currently teaches Performing Arts and Music Technology at Richard Huish College Taunton where he also directs the Jazz Band and Rock Choir.

Past SGC band members have included Toby Williams (keys), Nick Hannan (bass) and Scott Tobin (drums).

The choir is currently supported by the excellent Clive ‘Sam’ Salmon on keyboard. Sam originally joined the choir as a Tenor, but began playing keys after Toby broke his fingers just before a gig!

He is a past member of the celebrated soul band ‘Joey the Lips’ and, in his spare time, works as headteacher of a local primary school.

Sidmouth Gospel Choir are always happy to welcome new members - they learn all their songs by ear and there is no audition. They are currently interested in making contact with local instrumentalists (bass, drums/percussion, guitar, keyboards, sax/brass) to form a band for some of their larger events.

The choir will be taking part in the ‘A Passion for Life’ events being held across the Sid Valley between March 19th and 28th. We will be in concert at the 12th century church of St Giles in Sidbury village on Saturday, March 20th from 7.30pm.

New members are always welcome. For more information, visit: www.sidmouthgospelchoir.co.uk or contact Angie Carney on 01395 514350.

PICTURE: Sidmouth Gospel Choir performing at the recent Big Sing in Exeter Cathedral