Day Three in Auckland Thursday 18th July

Today was busy with a friendship concert and rehearsals. We also managed to sneak in a little time for swimming and shopping. Not loads of pictures today - although it was a beautiful day in Auckland. We also got the chance to watch some of the performances in the second part of our category - our senior singers were watching intently, making copious notes & trying to predict the winners. A couple of these photos were from yesterday’s competition performance - thanks to the Interkultur Facebook page.

Second day in Auckland & Competition Time! Wednesday 17th July

Today started with rehearsals in a church just up the road and finished with a very impressive performance in the Sacred Music category that everyone could be extremely proud of. It’s late & has been a very busy day. I’ll let the pictures do the talking!

First full day! Tuesday 16th July

Today we had our stage rehearsal for the Secondary Schools competition in the town hall. This just involves working out where we will stand, walking on and off and having a quick sing to hear what the acoustic sounds like. After that we had the huge privilege of singing in a flashmob for the World Choir Council. We sang alongside two other choirs, one from New Zealand and another from China. It was great to meet these other singers and to learn a Maori song alongside them.

After lunch, we headed down to Quay Street for the parade of nations. Again the singers mingled with singers from choirs all over the world - China, the USA, and India - to name a few. The atmosphere was fantastic. There were also a few impromptu rehearsals, including in the local park, before a well-earned early night.

Arrival day! Monday 15th July - Auckland!

And we’re all here! It was great for the FYC advance party - Patrick, Melanie and Anna to greet the choir members and adults as they arrived at our hotel at lunchtime. Once rooms were sorted out, some went for a nap while others went for a swim (and created a synchronised swimming routine!). We went for a delicious dinner at Elliott Stables, before returning to the hotel for a quick stretch of the vocal chords and bed. The adults are so impressed with how maturely the singers have dealt with the long and stressful journey. Everyone was happy to go to bed.

FREE summer holiday singing workshops - places still available

Thanks to funding from Farnham Town Council, FYC Training Choir conductor Claire Robins will be running two FREE singing workshops in the summer holidays.

The workshops are for children in current school years 2-5 and will take place on 21st and 22nd August 10am-12pm at Farnham Maltings, and will be lots of fun! Children are encouraged to come to both sessions and there will be an informal performance for parents and carers at the end of the last session.

To sign up, email community@fyc.org.uk by 9th August.

Singing Spree 2024 goes down a storm

On Friday 21st June 2024, Farnham Maltings was ringing with the sound of children’s voices, as Farnham Youth Choir (FYC) held their annual Singing Spree. Once again, 300 Year 2 children from eight local schools were joined by FYC’s three choirs on stage for a free, fun-filled singing workshop. The morning was led by Artistic Director Patrick Barrett and Training Choir conductor Claire Robins, accompanied by Susan Norman, and was a thoroughly joyful occasion!

Everyone sang We Are One by Mark and Helen Johnson, which many of the schools had learned in advance, as well as lots of shorter action songs involving clapping and moving, to keep everyone engaged. The schoolchildren were also treated to a performance of Fly written by local composer and FYC alum, Suzzie Vango, and FYC Senior Choir’s performance of Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho had the young audience riveted. 

An engaging, interactive singing workshop, spreading the joy of music and filling the room with happiness and laughter.

St Peter’s C of E Primary School, Farnham 

A lovely inclusive event that all children enjoyed!

 St John’s C of E Infant School, Churt

FYC are very grateful to Farnham Town Council for helping to fund this event, and we were delighted to have had its co-leader Councillor Graham White and Deputy Mayor, Councillor George Murray in attendance. 

Farnham Youth Choir’s next performance will be in Auckland, New Zealand, as they jet off to represent the UK at the World Choir Games on 13th July. You can follow their progress on www.facebook.com/farnhamyouthchoir or their website www.fyc.org.uk

If you have a child aged 6-18 who loves to sing, Farnham Youth Choir are holding free open rehearsals for all three choirs at 5.15pm on 11th and 18th September at Farnham Maltings. Go to www.fyc.org.uk/joinus to register.