Location

Chester Green, Derby

Description

Rise and Sing meets once a fortnight during term times on a Saturday morning 11.00 – 1.00 in Chester Green, Derby.  All are welcome, the choir is accessible and friendly. See dates below.

As a member of the Natural Voice Network I believe that singing with our natural voices is something that everyone can do. The choir sessions are about enjoying singing together, learning new songs and returning to known songs. Most songs are in four parts. Everything is taught by ear so you do not need to be able to read music, and there are no auditions.

Most of the songs I choose come from three sources: Natural Voice Network composers who are writing new songs for community choirs; Unicorn Voice Camp composers, including Nickomo and Nick Prater and many others,  Northern Harmony from whom I get traditional and contemporary shape note songs, traditional gospel song arrangements and songs from worldwide cultures, and Choir Community whose members arrange well known songs for community choirs. I love rounds and am always searching for ones that work well for us.

You are welcome to come and see what Rise and Sing is like,  your first session will be free. The usual fee is £7.50 or less according to what you can afford, pay with card or cash at the door. Please contact me with any questions you may have with regard to attending.

Rise and Sing dates 2026:

• 10 and 24 January
• 7 and 21 February
• 7 and 21 March
• 11 and 25 April
• 9 and 23 May
•  6 and 20 June
• 4 and 18 July

Special Events:

• 22 November 2025 Rolling Harmony workshop and concert Book now for what will be a brilliant afternoon workshop 2.30 – 5.30 and evening concert 7.30 – 9.30. Broadway Baptist Church,
  166 Broadway, Derby, DE22 1BP.  Near bus routes, parking on site

Singing Walks 2026:

• 31 May 2026 Singing Walk in Derbyshire all day. Time and venue nearer the date. The walk will be led by Paul and Kathy Whetstone, singing led by Deb.
• 30 August 2026 Singing Walk in Derbyshire all day. Time and venue nearer the date. The walk will be led by Paul and Kathy Whetstone, singing led by Deb. 

Shape Note Singing Afternoons 2026:

• 18 April 2026 Shape Note Singing Afternoon 2.00 – 5.00 at Broadway Baptist Church, 166 Broadway, Derby, DE22 1BP. Learn shape note songs, each part taught by ear. Shape note singing is an American church singing tradition with songs from the 1700s through to now. Near bus routes, parking on site.
• 12 September 2026 Shape Note Singing Afternoon 2.00 – 5.00 at Broadway Baptist Church, 166 Broadway, Derby, DE22 1BP. Learn shape note songs, each part taught by ear. Shape note singing is an American church singing tradition with songs from the 1700s through to now. Near bus routes, parking on site.

Session times

Saturdays 11am - 1pm every fortnight