Seeking singers for the Forgotten Voices project at Pocklington Arts Centre (From York Press)

Seeking singers for the Forgotten Voices project at Pocklington Arts Centre

11:22am Friday 3rd September 2010 in

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IF the television shows Glee and The Choir and the High School Musical films have rekindled your love of singing, Pocklington Arts Centre wants to hear from you.

Boosted by Big Lottery funding of £4,955 for its Forgotten Voices singing project – awarded under the Awards For All scheme – the centre is to offer a ten-week singing programme for anyone aged 16 to 30. Those who are a little over the age limit may be included, subject to numbers.

The group will sing a mixture of popular music, show tunes, gospel, folk and light choral music. Each two-hour session will cost £2 and will be run by community musician Sam Dunkley on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm from September 14.

Folk singer Sam won the best music performer award at the 2007 Buxton Fringe Festival and has appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe as well as the Otley Folk Festival. In 2008, he organised the East Riding of Yorkshire Massed Choir, taking its 550 members to perform at the Music for Youth Prom in the Royal Albert Hall.

The Forgotten Voices project will culminate in a public performance on December 7. “There’s no audition or selection process or any requirement to read music – as long as you have the enthusiasm to take part,” says arts centre manager Janet Farmer.

Assistant manager James Duffy adds: “We’re delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to all those who love to sing, especially those who may not have had the chance since they left school. We hope people will make new friends and most of all have fun.

“Ideally, it’s hoped that the group will become established and continue after the project funding ends and that they will perform at charitable events in the area.”

To register your interest in Forgotten Voices, call in at the box office or send an email to info@pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk.