Our songbook
Here are a few examples of the sort of songs we've performed and practised in the past few months - with links to samples of the music - and some upcoming and past events.
​
Two big fund-raisers this year will be a Forever Country dinner and music spectacular to rival our Oktoberfest meets Sound of Music extravaganza of 2022. More on this and our A Christmas Carol concert below.
​
We also have a page for choir practice resources; if you'd like to try out the parts that suit your voice click below to go straight there.
​
Forever Country dinner and music
Saddle Up for a Night of Country Charm!
Get ready to dust off those cowboy boots and polish your spurs because the most anticipated Forever Country and Western Night is heading your way! Join us on Saturday October 12th for an unforgettable evening of hearty Tex Mex dinner, toe-tapping music, and a whole lot of twang at the Childrey and Sparsholt Singers' spectacular event.
Event Highlights:
Dinner and Music Extravaganza: Immerse yourself in a night of down-home delights with a delicious country-style dinner that will satisfy your taste buds. As you savour each bite, the Childrey and Sparsholt Singers will take the stage to deliver a stunning four-part rendition of the classic medley, "Forever Country."
​
Live Ensemble Performances:
Get ready for a musical journey through the heart of country as the talented singers serenade you with enchanting ensemble performances and soulful duets. From timeless classics to contemporary hits, the stage will be alive with the spirit of country music.
Cowboy Karaoke Extravaganza: Do you fancy yourself the next Shania Twain or Johnny Cash? Take the spotlight during our Cowboy Karaoke session and let your inner country star shine. Grab the mic, belt out your favorite tunes, and show off your honky-tonk talents!
Date and Ticket Information:
Save the date – October 12th, a Saturday night that promises laughter, great company, and heartwarming music. Tickets will become available this summer, so keep your eyes peeled for the chance to secure your spot at the hottest event in town.
Supporting Local Causes:
Not only will you be treating yourself to a night of pure country bliss, but your ticket purchase will also contribute to local charities. Join us in making a difference in our community while enjoying a fantastic evening out!
Don't miss out on this foot-stompin', hat-tippin', good time! Mark your calendars, round up your posse, and stay tuned for ticket announcements. It's going to be a night to remember, y'all!
Yeehaw!
#CountryNight2024 #CommunityHarmony
"A Christmas Carol" concert for 2024
Last Christmas we ran our first "A Christmas Carol" fund-raiser at Holy Rood Church Sparsholt, with mince pies and mulled wine starting before and after raising hundreds of pounds of donations for the Holy Rood Church Fabric Fund​.
​
We plan to build on that success with a similar event on Friday 13 December 2024 . Join us for a delightful evening of festive cheer at the "A Christmas Carol" Concert! Get ready to be transported into the enchanting world of Charles Dickens' classic tale, as we bring the magic of Christmas to life through music and storytelling.
​
Mark your calendars for Fri Dec 13, 2024 at 19:00 GMT as we kick off this unforgettable event. Gather your loved ones and make your way to the lovely Church of the Holyrood in Sparsholt, where you'll be greeted with twinkling lights and the warmest festive atmosphere.
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as talented musicians and singers take the stage to perform beloved carols and songs inspired by "A Christmas Carol." From traditional melodies to modern interpretations, this concert promises to be a joyous celebration of Christmas traditions.
Feel the magic of the story come alive as we weave together heartwarming narrations and live performances. Let the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future fill your heart with warmth and remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary evening of music, merriment, and holiday spirit. Book your tickets now and secure your spot at the "A Christmas Carol" Concert – an event that will leave you with cherished memories and a heart full of Christmas joy!
Arrive early for a welcome drink of mulled wine and mince pies and stay on after.
Sound of Music meets Oktoberfest
Our self indulgent "Sound of Music meets Oktoberfest" singalong fund-raiser mit bratwurst, strudel, steins und wines was a tour de force and attracted more than 100 revellers, nuns, dirndl wearers and leder-hosed singers the to Sparsholt Brauhalle.
Platinum Jubilee
For the Queen's Platinum Jubilee the choir performed arrangements of four patriotic songs to a crowd of around 350 villagers and families at Childrey's Big Jubilee Lunch - The National Anthem, Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory and a complicated take on Rule Britannia - followed by a mix of tunes from the four corners of the UK - Loch Lomond, Londonderry Air, Bread of Heaven and I vow to thee my country - with soloists, audience participation and bagpipe accompaniment.
Songs we tried last year
We had a go at a fabulous American songbook harmony choral version of Henry Mancini’s Moon River arranged by John Coates, Jr, (as sung by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's) and the powerful spiritual Deep River arranged by Brian Trant. Next on the list is an acapella arrangement of David Bowie’s Life on Mars.
In the repertoire
We love Goodall’s beautiful arrangement of The Lord’s My Shepherd (which most will remember from the Vicar of Dibley) (listen here), a choral arrangement of Bob Dylan’s Make You Feel my Love (which owes more to Adele), and an emotionally-charged Brymer arrangement of Bring Him Home from Les Miserables (listen to the arrangement here). And our passion for Rutter continues with For the Beauty of the Earth, which is popular for our harvest fesitival performances - or whenever!
When we practice
In season we meet at 7:45pm at Childrey Methodist Hall every week for an hour. Please feel free to come along.
Childrey choir
Led by our fantastic choir mistress Mel, we are a mixed choir singing in four parts: soprano, alto, tenor and bass (and occasional baritone). We tackle secular and non-secular pieces, from Rutter to Mancini, from show-tunes to carols. And we’re always looking for new singers.
Join us
Come along to any practice session or fill out the contact us form below. We’d be delighted to meet you and welcome you into the choir.
