Hilltops Choir recently hosted a reunion of choral singers at the Young Services Club to celebrate over ten years of community singing in the Hilltops Region and beyond.
Mark Shiell, the 2008 foundation musical director of the Choir of the Southern Cross, travelled from Melbourne for the occasion.
Rodney Clancy (current Hilltops Choir musical director) with Mark Shiell (2008 foundation musical director of the Choir of the Southern Cross).
A powerpoint presentation capturing choral singing in the district brought back many cherished memories of joyful experiences many local choristers have had over the past decade.
Choral singers Christine Emmett and Margaret Edwards who were foundation singers ten years ago.
Following dinner, guests were treated to a special item “Shenandoah” conducted by Hilltops Choir’s Rodney Clancy with accompanist Stewart Bruce. This song was the signature piece taught by Mark Shiell all those years ago. Mark spoke briefly about how his vision for a community choir-based in Young came to fruition, and how choir members grew in confidence from Shenandoah to a broad repertoire encompassing spiritual, classical, musicals, movies and jazz.
Yvonne Tredinnick, singer and accompanist, who has supported choral singing in Young over many years.
To conclude the evening, the Hilltops Choir sang a selection of songs from their current repertoire. Some of these may be performed at the Hark Hallelujah! concert on the Sunday afternoon of the Cherry Festival weekend at St John’s Anglican Church, Young.
Choristers Mary Moffitt and Liz Napier reminiscing at the choral reunion event.
The Hilltops Choir is a non-auditioned community choir and is always looking for new members. If you love to sing with others, come along and join us. We meet Monday evenings 7.30-9.30 at the Young Uniting Church hall. For enquiries, please contact secretary Tracey Clark on 0418 672 622.
