by Alan Quick

THE launch of the brand new Crediton Community Choir will take place at Crediton Congregational Church on Monday, January 9.

The choir will be led by local and international choir leader Alison Whittall, who explained that the choir will concentrate on exhilarating a cappella harmony singing including world music, contemporary, gospel, jazz, pop, sacred and folk songs like the choir’s predecessor, Crediton World Music Choir.

Alison said: “All will be welcome to join the new choir.

“There will be plenty of songs in English and taught by ear so this makes the learning accessible to everyone.

“You don’t have to read music and you don’t need to be an expert.

“This choir is genuinely for the community as the Natural Voice Practitioners Network, of which I am a member, which has the ethos that singing is natural to everyone.”

Alison has a particular talent at allowing people to be at ease, enjoy the harmonies, relax and feel very safe and supported in a warm and encouraging atmosphere. Alison also makes it great fun and uplifting!

Health benefits are one effect of singing and it also brings the community together.

Alison said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Alise Ojay.  She has been a dear friend for many years has led the Crediton World Music Choir for nearly 20 years.

“Alise has been so faithful and dedicated to this work in Crediton and she has blessed this town with her passion, talent, warmth and enthusiasm - not to mention loads of stunning arrangements and amazing harmonic creations!  She is an inspiration!

“Now Alise is passing the baton of the choir on to me and I am deeply honoured and excited to go take it on and relaunch it as a community choir.”  

Rehearsals will be from 7.30pm to 9pm each Monday.

For further details, including costs, visit the website: www.alising.co.uk , telephone 01363 774324 or email: [email protected] .