Give Gospel A Go - A community choir for...

Gospel choirs can be heard everywhere, from films (recall the comical wedding scene in ‘Love Actually’), to football matches and jazz cafes; the vibrancy of the music creates exuberant performances that are simply infectious. Now, experienced musical director Fiona Bolton is bringing that buzz to Beckenham in the form of FUNDAMENTALLY GOSPEL, a new and exciting choir for residents of Beckenham and the local area, providing them with the opportunity to sing as a community whilst having lots of fun!

Open to any adult with a passion for singing, and performing an uplifting mixture of pop, soul, gospel and world music, the choir will draw inspiration from TV shows such as ‘Glee’ and ‘The Choir’ whilst utilising the principles of gospel music:

“The fundamentals of gospel music are simple harmonies and lots of energy; this means that anyone can pick up the songs without being able to read music, and there lies the joy of gospel music.”

Launching in central Beckenham on Wednesday 20 January and rehearsing weekly thereafter, membership of FUNDAMENTALLY GOSPEL is open to any adult who enjoys singing, regardless of ethnic origin or religious belief; there are no auditions and no experience is required, although opportunities for soloists will be given.

A keen and accomplished singer, Fiona first became involved in running gospel choirs whilst a student at the University of Southampton. During her two-year tenure as President of Jazzmanix, the university’s 80-strong jazz and gospel choir, the ensemble won the Students’ Union Best Society Award an unprecedented two years running and reached the Finals of the Best Choir Category at the BBC Gospel Entertainment Music Awards 2003.

Since graduating with both a first class honours degree in Music and Mathematics, and a Masters in Management Sciences, Fiona has worked for the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Academy of Music, Project Music Workshops, and is currently Senior Education Editor for a major music publisher. She has combined these roles with freelance work as a singer and choral director working with children, teenagers and adults in a variety of settings.

To find out more and become a part of this exciting new musical venture, come along to the taster session on Wednesday 20 January, 7.45pm–9.15pm (Cost £5) at the Lea Wilson Hall, Christ Church Beckenham, Fairfield Road/ Beckenham High Street, BR3 3LE or visit www.fundamentallygospel.co.uk for more information. New members are welcome at any time.