Eileen Leahy finds out more from the successful choir’s Artistic Director Adrian Pitts
AFTER a very difficult couple of years due to the pandemic, young people need more of an extra-curricular boost than ever and what better way to do so than singing as an ensemble?
It’s well known that being part of a choir not only gives you the opportunity to meet others and forge new friendships, it can also help improve your mental and physical health thanks to the natural endorphins – or feel good factor – singing releases. It’s also a lot of fun!
Which is exactly why West Kent Youth Voices (WKYV) was founded three years ago and despite proving very successful so far the group is looking to recruit even more members to its choir.
Earlier this month it held a taster event at The Judd School in Tonbridge which saw a number of new recruits from local secondaries join but there is still the opportunity to join the WKYV ranks as they regularly hold auditions.
The youth choir began in 2019 as the brainchild of well-known music teachers Adrian Pitts and Rachel Balcombe, who both boast a wealth of experience between them.
Adrian founded the award-winning Tonbridge Gramamr School Motet Choir who were gold medalists in the European Choir Games and made frequent TV appearances. While Rachel, is a member of the National Youth Choir and current Head of Music at The Judd School.
“It’s a new term and a constant joy for West Kent Youth Voices to meet each week in person to sing together,” said Adrian, who is artistic director and principal conductor of WKYV.
The group for young singers aged 14-19 in the West Kent area obviously had to disband during lockdowns and Covid restrictions but the good news is they came back together in September 2021 and are now enjoying rehearsing and performing once again.
“Despite the huge disappointments we have all experienced over the past couple of years, West Kent Youth Voices continues to celebrate all that’s brilliant about being part of an aspirational choral team,” Adrian added.
“We had an amazing Christmas Concert with the Kent Police Band which really got everyone enthusiastic again and the choir was also featured on BBC Radio Kent’s Community Carol Service on Christmas Day.”
Adrian also told the Times that WKYV is forging ahead with exciting plans for the coming year, including potential performance opportunities.
“This term we hope to have a workshop with international maestro Paul McCreesh and we are planning a collaboration with newly formed St Cecilia Wind Orchestra in the autumn.
Associate WKYV Conductor Rachel Balcombe said: “We hope as many talented West Kent singers as possible will audition for this exciting programme for young singers in Kent.”
The choir hosts regular open rehearsals where students can try out the choir and sing as much or as little as they wish.
“If they like it they can sign up for a friendly constructive audition – which is really helpful if you don’t know which voice part you should sing,” explained Adrian.
“If a student’s audition is successful and they are able to join West Kent Youth Voices, they will be able to participate in a year-round performance programme alongside professional musicians, with the opportunity to be part of local and national concerts.”
But it’s not all work though as Adrian told us the choir also likes to relax together. “At Christmas we all went for a celebration pizza after the last rehearsal!”
Sounds like music to our ears!
Find out more on the West Kent Youth Voices by visiting the FaceBook page @wkyvoices
Anyone interested in auditioning can email wkyvoices@gmail.com
