Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir Est 1903
Like all choir’s, the Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir, has been severely affected by the Covid Pandemic. For a long time, it was restricted to practice by internet zoom sessions and all its arranged concerts had to be cancelled.
Returning to regular practice in the summer of 2021, it was decided that the choir would take its time before singing again in concert and to rebuild its confidence.
On 19 March 2022, the choir performed in concert as part of an Arts Festival in the grounds of Erewash Museum, Ilkeston, which it greatly enjoyed. This was followed by a full concert on 26 March at the choir’s base at the Dale Club, Jacksdale which was very well attended. Then came a highly successful twice re-arranged tour to Devon with concerts held at Brixham and Paignton Parish Churches, raising £725.00 for this year’s Poppy Appeal.
The highlight of the year was singing as part of a mass choir at York Minster on 14 May for the wedding of its President, Jason Darnell. This was an experience never to be forgotten and it gave all choir members a significant lift to receive many generous comments, including from choristers who sing in the Minster Choir.
The choir sang at a further wedding on 28 May for a choir member’s daughter, Lindsay Braithwait, at St. Martin’s Church, Alfreton.
All of the choir’s concert’s this year are dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee. It was fitting that the choir’s last concert on 4 June was held at Maple Mews Sheltered Housing Complex, Alfreton, to celebrate this occasion and the choir were very happy to share in a celebration tea that followed.
So as to the future after seven engagements in quick succession. Immediately, two choir parties for life celebrations where the opportunity to sing will no doubt not be missed, then to an eagerly awaited joint concert with Carlton and Sandiacre Male Voice choirs on 30 July at St. Paul’s Church, Daybrook, in aid of the East Midlands Air Ambulance, with concerts continuing to build for the autumn and winter and 2023.
The Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir are seeking to recruit male choristers for all choir parts, especially bass and top tenor. A warm welcome awaits you to join the choir at rehearsal on Monday evenings at the Dale Club, Jacksdale, at 7:30 p.m. Further information can be obtained from Malcolm Hill on 01773 602743 or the choir’s website www.pyehillmvc.co.uk