The Sovereign Singers have fun, sing for pleasure, entertain, sing in the community and give at least two fund-raising concerts a year for EBS. The Choir gains great pleasure from its rapport with members of EBS at the private concerts/entertainments. These events have a special quality. Formal concerts at the Blind Society hall are open to all, with free entry. We raise money for the EBS through donations at concerts. We hope for a “paper” retiring collection.
An award to Barbara in 2006 from The Scarman Trust, under the Community Champions scheme enabled us to enlist Dr. Neil Moore musical director and conductor of The English Philharmonic Orchestra to help further our musical progress through a private choral workshop and Master Class in January 2007 We were then invited by him to perform with the English Philharmonic Orchestra . The grant also enabled provision and installation of 'Spectre' stage spotlights in the EBS hall, enhancing the atmosphere at concerts, and benefiting those in the wider community who hire the hall.
The Sovereign Singers hosted an international concert event in Eastbourne in November 2006.
The Sovereign singers merged with the Famajeur choir from Normandy for the first ever SoMeFa concert. We promote international friendship through music and have a liaison between the choirs.
In Summer 2007, Sue received an Award for her choral work in taking the choir from strength to strength.
In 2008 we shall produce our first full CD, the sale of which will raise awareness of the EBS, and promote the choir, thus encouraging development and increasing membership of both organisations. We intend to sing again with our French friends, and have a busy year planned. The Sovereign Singers are invited to sing at the Remembrance Concert in November.
We rely on “word of mouth “ for publicity. By request we may sing at special functions , weddings or corporate events, no fee is charged but costs and a generous donation to the Blind Society are asked for.
SOVSI Concerts are in the EBS hall on the last Friday before end May Bank holiday and Saturday before Christmas.
A typical concert includes up to 20 different songs from varied genres .
For more information:
visit Eastbourne and District Choirs website.
For concert dates goto Calendar
Or, call the Eastbourne Blind Society on 01323-729511
MEMBERSHIP
We recruit new members, who are generally aged between 26 and 66, during September and January.
SOvSI rehearsals are Wednesday from 9:40 until 12:00, at 124 Longstone Road in central Eastbourne. There are no rehearsals in early January ,June, July or August.
Members donate to the Eastbourne Blind Society instead of paying a subscription, and the donated money can be “Gift Aided”. The choir is a charitable concept, we freely give our time and expertise to run and develop the choir. The choir caters for a wide ability through skills sessions and an auditioned close harmony ensemble . We have some songs arranged or written especially for us from time to time. We also research, arrange or write our own music to give variety to our concerts. Membership is kept so the choir is small enough to be friendly and work as a team. Currently all members are sighted. Visual impairment may not be a barrier to membership. To assist learning enlarged word copies and an audio resource can be made.
Polyphony rehearsals are Monday from 7.30
Polyphony is our Monday evening auditioned extension ensemble. Developed to cater for the able musician and to support the main choir in concerts, this close harmony section tackles more difficult material.
To enquire about auditions for Polyphony extension ensemble contact the MD. Up to 1/4 of a concert is performed by Polyphony after 10/11 meetings. Additional costs are involved, music and hall hire is charged
Any enquiries leave a phone message or ask for contact number of M.D.
Sue Barrett
The Sovereign Singers is a unique choir with much in sight, when we
sing with Polyphony, we sing as Sovereign Polyphony. Interested? phone
470445 for details.