"The Call" – Janice Parkin
It all started with a call to a rehearsal on Thursday 14th March 2019 6.30 pm at Emmanuel Church.
An augmented choir within the Barnsley Circuit, with an Open invitation to anyone who wished to join us.
We all arrived and were seated according to our voices, Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass, approximately 30 members in total. We were given a copy of the score, along with a CD of the Musical Numbers – some well known great hymns (arranged by Matt), along with Songs of Worship by Graham Kendrick, Stuart Townsend and Keith Getty and new songs by Matt Beckingham.
We were introduced to the Maestro, who then led us into some exercises which saw us shaking off any tension we may have been feeling and warming up our voices. What then followed was truly a Master Class with the best.
Matt Beckingham from Doncaster is a prestigious Chorus Master, having worked with leading organisations such as London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus and Opera North. Throughout the three hour rehearsal, his expertise and professionalism was displayed, our homework was then to listen to the CD and rehearse our individual voices in preparation for the performance on Saturday 30th March 2019 in front of an Audience/Congregation!
The great day arrived with us all meeting at Emmanuel Church, at 4.00pm for a rehearsal with Matt and his Singers and Instrumentalists, prior to the performance at 7.30pm. We were also joined by a lady from Doncaster, whom had previously sang within the first ever performance of "The Call" which took place in February 2019 at Doncaster and enjoyed it so much she wanted to be a part of it again!
After having a break for our packed lunch and changing into our Evening Wear, we were finally ready for the big performance and what a revelation it was. The Audience/Congregation had assembled and we were all set to sing our hearts out and we did just that. From start to finish it was an absolutely amazing evening of Worship, Song and Fellowship in conjunction with "All We Can" the Methodist Relief and development, we also saw Video displaying their work. From my point of view as a member of the Choir it certainly was a privilege to be a part of and work with such a talented musician.
Registered Charity no. 1135240
circuitoffice@btconnect.com
01226 321522
Barnsley Methodist Circuit
c/o Emmanuel Methodist Church
Huddersfield Road
Barnsley
S75 1DT