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Introduction from "First Night" |
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| No sooner did it become known that the 'Choral' was to sponsor a
Youth Choir than anxious doubts were voiced. Youth Choirs had been
tried without success several times in the past, it was said. Our
aim to recruit 100 young people was hopelessly unrealistic, we were
told. Above all, we would never be able to persuade boys and young
men to join such an organisation. There are some cities and towns where such pessimism might have been justified, but this is Huddersfield where choralism is at the same time both the natural thing to do, and a very special thing to do. So we have great pleasure this evening in offering our reply to the doubters. We are very proud of the young people who will perform for you tonight. They have turned up regularly for rehearsal, worked hard at the music, and laid the foundations, we believe, for a very exciting future for the choir. They come from far and wide each Tuesday - from Hebden Bridge to the West, from Sandal (Wakefield) to the East and from Harehills (Leeds), to the North, as well as from Halifax, Bradford, Dewsbury, Mirfield, Batley, Ossett and Huddersfield itself. In less than five months, they have already reached a sufficiently high standard for us to feel confident in placing them before an audience. We are sure you will be just as proud of them as we are. Though the ages of the members range from 12 to 20 years, the average age of tonight's performers is only 15 years one month. We therefore look eagerly and with optimism to the future, as we seek to build steadily on the achievement of this 'FIRST NIGHT'. Thank you to our audience for supporting us. The organisation of the Youth Choir is very much a team effort. The following members of the Huddersfield Choral Society have given their time and talents to ensure the success of the venture. David Crowther - Secretary - Founder Kenneth Rothery - Conductor Beth Sharp - Accompanist Stephen Brook, David Hartley, Ann Jenkinson, Joan Mirfin, Jonathan Newcombe, Judith Sims, Felicity Storer and Susan Wilkinson have all either conducted or accompanied sectional rehearsals. Non-Musical Assistance Bob Wilman - Treasurer Pat Simpson & Sandra Kelly - Librarians Stephen & Janet Brook - House Managers Ruth Beever & Nancy England - Uniform Andrea Crawshaw - Registrar Joyce Townsend Ticket Officer Pat Bromley - Printing Rita Chambers - Posters Winifred Ellis - Typing With specific assistance from Christopher Arnold, Gareth Beaumont, Jane Hobson, Tim Lewis and George Slater. |
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