Our 'Back to the Land' concert on May 16th was a great success. The title of the concert was that of the official song of the Women's Land Army, and the choir entered into the sprit of the words by dressing as land girls (and boys) - as you can see here in our dress rehearsal. The concert
celebrated our wonderful rural landscapes and the people who nurture them for us. It included songs from a medieval English round of the 13th century (with audience participation) to the latest witty arrangements by the choir's accompanist, Peter Young. In Fiddler on the Roof we were supported with a virtuoso performance from a local violinist, Carmen King, and in Peter Young's Variations on The Plough Boy for flute and piano he was joined on the flute by the choir's Musical Director, Sara Kemsley. It was a varied and joyous programme and that gave everyone there a taste of springs and summers past, present and future.
Our next concert is very exciting. We are joining up with Surrey Heath Singers to perform Vivaldi Gloria in Frimley on 10th October, then in Kemsing on October 17th. Each choir will sing pieces from their own repertoire as well. Rehearsals start on Monday 1st June.
Like variety? Then you’ll be sure to like us! We are keen to welcome new members.We rehearse on Mondays from 7:30-9:30pm in the St Edith Hall Kemsing and always give people a chance to see if we suit before committing to membership.
We are a friendly, mixed choir of about fifty singers of varying abilities. The choir was formed in 1964 and, throughout its life, has always performed a lively mix of music in a great variety of styles. Our motto is "Fun and Fine Singing" and our aim is to sing well and enjoy doing so. We give public performances in the Kemsing and Sevenoaks area under our Musical Director Sara Kemsley, with pianist Peter Young. We also sing occasionally at fetes and festivals and for weddings or funerals. We have a very competitive subscription for members but still raise money for charity and use professional soloists each season. Read all about us and how you can join.
If you like the sound of us, why not come along and see for yourself? You'd be very welcome, so just email Sara beforehand to discuss it: musicaldirector@kemsingsingers.com
Singing is good for you. It’s official!
Singing has been shown to benefit everyone hugely. There has been so much research in recent years that proves what so many of us know from experience. It releases the ‘happy’ chemicals, endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, into our systems. It improves lung function. Many asthmatics are helped by singing or learning a wind instrument. It helps beat stress and relaxes us and also improves memory and cognition. Singing in a choir adds a sense of community and wellbeing that you don’t get from singing in the shower!
But, listening to music has powerful benefits too. Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory. Listening to new, unfamiliar music is a mental workout for the brain. Keep your brain young