The enthusiasm of interested people to sing in a community choir (we call ourselves The Bar-Tones), accompanied by a talented local pianist Suzanne Berry) and the desire by an experienced choral leader (Stephen Taylor) for a new musical challenge have developed into a thriving singing group. Interest has grown over the years and still new members join as word travels of the fun and fulfilment it provides. Many new friendships have been formed and thousands of pounds raised for charity.
The musical development of the group was enhanced in 2016 thanks to the donation of £3000 by the Barton and Dunstall Key Trust to fund the purchase of a Yamaha Clavinova which is extremely beneficial with its many voices and facilities.
Everyone was greatly saddened by the death of our pianist Pam Pryce in January 2017, who will always be greatly missed and we set up student bursaries inspired by our memory of Pam.
The group now has a broader range of music, singing three and four-part arrangements in addition to occasional unison songs. Also some members of the choir have sung solos or duets and others have created smaller groups to sing different items.
Although we give priority to local residents we encourage others from neighbouring villages to join our choir. We are especially keen to recruit tenors and basses.
Singers are offered a free taster session on their first visit. Membership is only £15 per year. Some sheet music is given to members, but on occasion a small fee is charged.
