| Choral |
Sheila Russell - Head of Department
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| In 1997 Garry Jones (then Head of Service) established the post of County Choral Organiser to mark the commitment to singing and choral education within the county. Since then the choral department has grown steadily. Sheila Russell is a highly experienced teacher and musician who has developed the choral department to its current impressive structure and range of activities. |  | |
County Junior Girls Choir performing at Warwickshire Arts Centre on 22 November
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We now have a dedicated choral specialist in each of the five areas in the county with Garry Jones currently running boys’ voices projects supported by Youth Music for both treble and changed voices.The choral team deliver specialist vocal teaching particularly in secondary schools, take part in the Wider Opportunities programme and present our whole school singing project 'Feel The Buzz'. In addition they are available to run inset training and offer advice and support both in schools and as part of our CMS training programme.
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CMS and the choral team are fully involved in national initiatives such as the Sing Up programme and recently the County Boys Choir, County Girls Choir, County Junior Girls Choir and Youth Chorale, along with singers from Warwickshire secondary schools came together to sing at Butterworth Hall, Warwickshire Arts Centre in the Choral Spectacular. It included the first performance outside London of 'Gloria' by its composer Andrew Atkins, Director of Warwickshire County Music Service. This was a rare occasion for our young singers to come together in a huge celebration and perform at an internationally recognised concert venue.
Combined choirs perform 'Gloria' at Warwick Arts Centre
Click here for more photos from the Choral Spectacular
Area Choral Activities
Each of the five areas run or plan to run a network of area choirs as follows: |
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| Song Club | KS1 singers - boys and girls |
| Girls Chorus | KS2 girls |
| Boys Chorus | KS2/3 boys |
| Vocalise | KS3 girls |
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County Choral Activities
Warwickshire County Youth Chorale is an SATB choir which has been running for many years and is directed by Garry Jones. The choir rehearses weekly and performs locally and nationally to high acclaim. The County Boys Choir was formed in Autumn 2008 and has grown dramatically in its first year with a current membership of 85. CMS has recently formed both a County Junior Girls Choir and a County Girls Choir from the above area groups. Unlike the Chorale the county choirs for boys and girls rehearse weekly in areas but come together for weekend rehearsals and courses before presenting concerts. |
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