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About Us
The two Haddo Junior Choirs are the Haddo Children's Choir which caters for children from Primary 3 to Primary 7 and the Haddo Youth Choir for singers from Senior 1 – 24 years old. They have been in existence for over 50 years, instigated by Lady Aberdeen, their present Musical Director Alice Dennis taking them on in 1991. They are recognised as being two of the strongest young choirs in Scotland, both winning 'Choir of the Day' titles at the Scottish heats of 'Choir of the Year' in 2002 and 2004. They have also competed in the Aberdeen Music Festival many times, lifting on occasion the Leythe Trophy, the Paterson and Fraserburgh Gold Medals and the Crowmallie Cup, competing against well-known choirs from the Aberdeen area - often receiving 'Gold' Outstanding Performance certificates. The Choirs have over 50 members in each, many of the Youth Choir are also members of HYMT and HHCOS. There are no auditions to join the choirs – everybody is welcome! Haddo Junior Choirs are always looking for events to perform at. We would like to hear from you if you require a young choir to perform at your charity concert, wedding or similar event. We are usually available from March to July and have a varied repertoire prepared. We have a small choir available to sing carols at Christmas. The Team There is a committee but five people effectively run the Choir. New helpers are needed very much, so parents are encouraged to get involved. Alice Dennis is the musical director and conductor of both Haddo Junior Choirs. She is a graduate of Trinity College of Music, London, where she studied piano and singing. She is an experienced teacher of both disciplines, teaching about 50 pupils a week privately. She also performs (accompanying and singing) and conducts.She has been Musical Director of Haddo Children’s Theatre, Haddo Youth Theatre, the Garioch Musical Society, the Haddo Pantomime and of Haddo Joint Productions, putting on many shows of varying style and content, with casts of all ages. She is also the chorus master of the Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society.Since taking on the Haddo Junior Choirs, Alice has taken them to new heights, clean sweeping festival classes in up to three age categories in one year and winning the Scottish Heat of the renowned national competition, ‘Choir of the Year’ on two occasions. Husband Jerry plays the piano for her rehearsals.Jerry Dennis is the HYC pianist. Married to Alice, he is an accomplished musician in his own right, having written many pieces for the choirs and the music for the Haddo Joint Production “When the Haar Comes In”. He is also a singer, having performed regularly in the area as a soloist and in the Edinburgh Festival Chorus.Alice and Jerry have two grown up children who sang with the Choirs from the start and Eleanor is now studying singing at the Royal College of Music in London. Elaine Johnston – is CO-MD of HCC. She is a primary teacher and a singing pupil of Alice’s, with a long history of appearances with the Junior Choirs. She is a member of HHCOS and HCTVC and has sung regularly with the National Youth Choir of Scotland. She has appeared as a soloist many times over the years. Wilma Geddes accompanist for HCC. She is a piano teacher and also the treasurer of HJC. She has 5 musical children, 1 of whom is presently in the Youth Choir. She sings with HCTVC. Carol Johnston (HYC secretary) is the mother of Elaine and has another singing daughter who figures prominently in the choir, and is a well known musician in her own right too. Phyllis Garden (HCC secretary). You should call her if you cannot make any rehearsal, or for any other enquiries on: 01467 671546 (leave a message during work hours and she will get back to you if necessary). If you are not returning to choir this term, please let her know ASAP. If you do not contact her she may give you a phone to find out where you are. Fiona Taylor is in charge of HCC uniforms. As you will need s special sweatshirt you should contact her ASAP on 01358 723719 to order yours - they cost £15. Children's Choir rehearsals are on Tuesdays, 7.00 - 8.00pm and the Youth Choir 8.00 - 9.00pm at St Mary's On the Rock Church, Ellon. New members are welcome to join either choir on any Tuesday. Please download a membership form and bring with you to the rehearsal. WORKSHOPS RUNNING SEPTEMBER '08!! Alice Dennis often helps recruit new members for the Choirs by offering singing workshops to schools in the area. These are free to state schools within a 20 mile radius of Ellon. The workshops last about 30 - 45 minutes and are suitable for all children (maximum 50 per class). If your school would like to experience one of these ever popular and fun visits from her, please click here |
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Haddo Junior Choirs are part of Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society |
