Join experienced choir leaders Clara and Claire for a day of glorious harmony singing in two beautiful spaces, including the iconic Wells Cathedral. We’ll be sharing a fabulous mix of uplifting songs with you that will truly welcome in the summer holidays. Everything will be taught by ear and no previous singing, or musical experience is needed. The emphasis will be on the joy of sharing our voices and learning some great songs. 

We will spend most of the day singing in the beautiful St Thomas Church, which has a lovely, resonant acoustic and lots of natural light. The last 45 minutes of the workshop will take place in the magnificent Wells Cathedral. We have been given permission to sing in this special place, a real treat. 

A Bit About The Leaders…

Claire Stronach is a choir leader, workshop facilitator and singer from Somerset, who leads several community choirs, including Blackdown Community Choir. She works with Somerset Health and Wellbeing Network facilitating singing and voice workshops for people experiencing trauma, or isolation and also for people with learning difficulties. Claire also leads singing walks for Blackdown Hills and Quantock Hills AONB’s, including fully accessible singing walks and she runs Womens Residential Voice Camps at Långrådna Kultur Centre in Sweden. Together with Clara, Claire sings with Rolling Harmony, a vocal harmony group based in Somerset.

Claire says “I absolutely love being a choir leader and facilitating singing and voice workshops with people of all ages. I believe that singing in a group, sharing our voices and creating harmony together is a truly uplifting experience, a very special joy and can also be a powerful tool for growth and development.“

Clara Atkins is a choir leader, singer, workshop facilitator and events manager based in Wiltshire. She leads Clarity Community Choirs and the Doves Peace Choir. Clara regularly runs singing workshops, open to all, which are always very popular, often selling out. Previous workshop locations include Edington Priory Church and Holy Trinity in Bradford on Avon. Clara also facilitates workshops for community groups, charities and business, including Bath Spa University, BANES Carer Centre, Wiltshire Rural Music and St Michael’s Junior School, Bath. These workshops can be hugely rewarding as those who don’t consider themselves singers as they discover the benefits of singing together and have a lot of fun in the process. Clara enjoys working in early years settings, having led the Explorers group for Evolve Music for many years. In July 2023 she will be completing the Singing Mamas training, empowering women through song.

Clara says “I believe that singing brings people together; it breaks down all barriers and connects us with the thing we all have in common: a voice. I find great joy in singing with people. I can’t wait to sing with you all in Wells Cathedral – what a treat!“

Please note: We plan to walk to the Cathedral from St Thomas Church, around a 5 minute walk. There are some parking options nearby. 

REFRESHMENTS

There will be tea, coffee and biscuits provided during the breaks for a small donation, and access to drinking water throughout. Please bring a packed lunch and a water bottle. 

VENUE & FACILITIES

There is step-free level access throughout the church. Please get in touch if you have any specific access needs. There are toilets, including a disabled toilet, available in the church. More information on the venue here: http://www.stthomaswells.co.uk/index.html

PARKING

There is a small car park by the church hall adjacent to the church, and plenty of free on street parking. There are a couple of larger pay and display car parks in the centre of Wells.