Page 3 - BYC Christmas Concert 2016

4 separate choirs with numbers totalling over 500 ranging from 7 year olds to 88 year olds. Barnsley is developing a reputation for singing which I am really proud about. It’s clear that those who have become involved in either Barnsley Youth Choir or Barnsley Singers as a member or supporter have been bewitched by the beauty and joy of coming together to sing.
We have had an intense schedule during the last few weeks and volunteers have been hugely supportive in ensuring that things run smoothly. Ann Wroe and Yvonne Worsley continue to work miracles in the engine room of the choir but there are so many others that contribute massively on a weekly basis. The performance
of the Armed Man at the Royal Northern College of music was a huge investment with a number of weekend rehearsals for the team that took part. It was a fantastic experience for our members and we are hugely grateful to Steven Roberts for providing us with this opportunity.
Many felt that the choir had developed as far as it could but we continue to surprise people. The standard of singing continues to improve in all choirs, the way we operate as an organisation is more efficient, the amount of work we take on is more than ever before and our leaders are stronger than ever because we have been able to recruit people with a national and international reputation. I still have international colleagues question how any of this is possible; 1 rehearsal per week, small subscription fees and a team made up of volunteers who fit this work around busy lives.
We now have, on average, 3 requests a week to perform. We have countless offers from local organisations and many from international bodies. Whilst other choirs rely on full-time paid staff BYC continues to rely on the goodwill of volunteers who do this work in their own time so we need to be careful not to overload people with too much so that our quality drops. Our mantra remains – whatever we do should be done
to an exceptional standard.
We are desperate to represent Great Britain again this summer
in Riga but we will need support again in making this happen. I hope that you will all do your bit
to get involved and encourage others to do the same. Isn’t it amazing that Barnsley Youth Choir is now regarded as an outstanding choir on the international arena, that the leader of the famous Pretoria Chamber Choir in South Africa is keen to put on a special concert together in Riga, and that all of our young people have the opportunity to work alongside the very best choral leaders in the world?
It’s great to be a part of this fantastic singing community. Thank you to all members, volunteers, patrons and supporters for your commitment and enthusiasm. Enjoy the concert and have a restful and peaceful Christmas.
Mat Wright
Barnsley Youth Choir Christmas Concert Weekend 2016
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