One Voice is a community choir, but it is a community choir with standards. Community choirs come in a variety of forms, from groups who have the ability to sing big, classic works, to the other end of the spectrum, with groups singing simple chants or songs in unison. We fit somewhere in the middle, singing in parts, to create amazing chords and harmonies, in order to make beautiful music. We come together weekly, to meet up with friends, enjoy each other's company, laugh and have fun and, above all to sing and make amazing music. As the choir sings in parts, our members need to have an ability and willingness, to learn to hold their part within the choir. It also goes without saying that members need to be able to sing in tune!
An essential ingredient of our ethos is the commitment of each individual to the whole choir. It is a joy to lose ourselves as we join together to make wonderful music, to relax, to get to know and appreciate each other, and to have fun.
All our music is arranged by William to suit the capabilities of the choir and we are continually striving to improve and develop.
We use sheet music, which means that we don't have to learn words and remember everything. However, although no previous experience is necessary, a willingness to engage and learn the basics of reading music is important. Each individual also needs to be able to manage their own music.
We sing both a capella and with a backing track.
We do all types of music- pop songs from all eras, folk songs, and anything else that we enjoy and can rise to the challenge of learning! We have even done an opera chorus!
We usually perform several times a year, sometimes as part of a festival or event and at other times on our own. At times we also join with the Wessex Folk Orchetsra to perform and entertain each other as well as a wider audience. Over the years, we have raised a not inconsiderable amount for charity.
William also gives private 1:1 music lessons for those who wish to work on particular issues or just improve generally.
So, in summary, we strive to make the best possible music we can, while having fun and enjoying the company of others.
Venue: United Reform Church,
41, Salisbury Street, Fordingbridge.SP6 1JW
Time: Monday evenings. 7.30 - 9pm
Cost:£8/ session. Paid termly.
Our Conductor
William Shering started singing with his three sisters, often in the back of the car all the way to Wales and back on holidays. They always sang in parts, improvising harmonies as the miles rolled by. Then at the age of 7, he joined the church choir and began a long period of singing and conducting church music. He later took over the running of the church choir and also, founded and conducted the Fordingbridge Choral Society.
He has sung and conducted all over England and has taken part in choral festivals in Ireland, Italy, France, Spain and Estonia.
Ten years ago "One Voice", a community choir, was formed and now has 50 singers.
He arranges all the music for the choir, writing parts specifically for the abilities of the singers.
William also teaches mandolin, and runs a mandolin group, Ottocorde, who play music from Renaissance to Folk, with surprising music of all genres.
In 2019, William founded the Wessex Folk Orchestra. All kinds of acoustic and portable instruments coming together to play the rich and varied folk music of the British Isles.
William also works as a civil celebrant, creating bespoke services for people who want something different and special.
www.williamshering-celebrant.com