Based in Shenfield, Essex, close to Brentwood, Billericay, and Chelmsford, in 1980, the Howard Wallace Chorale was formed with the purpose of performing high quality music from as wide a range as possible, in a style not not offered by the then existing excellent choral societies and opera groups. A range of lighter popular music is sung in the choral tradition; this has had an immediate and lasting appeal, and there is now a regular attendance at performances of the Chorale's middle of the road repertoire - music sacred and secular, popular classics, folk-songs, show music, and especially the arrangements created by Howard Wallace, our founder.
Howard is a genuine cockney, having spent his
childhood in the Kings Cross area of London. After being bombed out twice he
went to Creaton, in Northamptonshire, for some peace and quiet. After the war
he returned to Ilford, on the London/Essex border. His musical talent showed
from an early age, when he sang as a soloist for the choirs of the Shaftesbury
Homes. After leaving school he joined the Essex Regiment as a bandsman, where
he studied the trumpet and cornet and related instruments. He became principal
cornet/trumpeter and began to write and arrange music for military bands. Upon
leaving the Army he became Bandmaster at the Ilford Salvation Army Corps. Broadening
experience and participation in musical competitions led to his desire for a
wider musical future, resulting eventually in the foundation of the Howard Wallace
Chorale in 1980.
After 25 years in charge, Howard has now retired and handed the thriving Chorale over to the Management Committee and the new Musical Director, Tim Rhys-Morgan.
Tim
studied the piano with Jana Frenklova at the University College of North Wales,
Bangor. He is accompanist to a number of professional and semi-professional
singers, instrumentalists and choral groups. As a qualified primary teacher
he develops his school choirs to such high standards that they have been used
by the BBC in their Music Schools programmes. 'Scirocco', his trio - consisting
of two clarinets and piano, perform in the Essex area. He is also an active
member of the Sussex based English Concert Singers who specialise in singing
their repertoire in the language in which it was originally written. Tim's piano,
like Sparky's, is magic, and it frequently comments, sometimes acidly, (though
always in a constructive and helpful spirit!), on our singing and intonation.
Tim was our accompanist for many years and has contributed greatly to the success
of the Chorale in that role.
Our Accompanist - Natalie Thurlow
Natalie
was classically trained by Thorpe Bay based teacher, Honor Jackson and by the
age of 18 had passed her diploma. For the past 9 years, she has accompanied
and directed various amateur dramatic groups and choirs, including Ingatestone,
Romford, Chelmsford, Rainbow (based in South Benfleet) Southend, Leigh Operatic
and now the Howard Wallace Chorale. She is also the Musical Director for the
Basildon Music Festival which involves 270 children taking part in a concert
once a year.
On the other side of the coin, Natalie is a performer! She worked with a six-piece
band for two years before changing direction and fronting a duo act. Two years
later, she decided to choose another path, and has now settled herself with
a trio who travel the UK and Europe on the line dance scene! Watch this space;
it will be Punk Rock next!
We tend not to perform complete classical works, but extracts; the Triumphal March from Aida, "The Heavens are Telling" from The Creation, "The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves" from Nabucco, and the "Easter Hymn" from Cavalleria Rusticana are typical, along with items like the Cantique de Jean Racine. Occasionally we have put on Gilbert and Sullivan, and Music Hall programmes. Our other speciality is in performing Howard's own arrangements, which are very distinctive, perhaps echoing his brass band background, and challenging and rewarding to sing. These include selections from Les Miserables, South Pacific, and Frank Sinatra and Cole Porter medleys among many others. Whatever we perform, Howard does not let us forget our primary task; to entertain, inspire, and uplift the spirit of our listeners - a duty which comes with the gift of music.
At present there is a waiting list for ladies who would like to join; but we would like to recruit more men, especially basses- in order to improve our musical balance. The requirements for prospective members are straightforward - an informal voice test; then enthusiasm, and hard work. The ability to read music is very helpful, but not essential. Anyone considering joining can obtain more information by going to our contact page and selecting our Secretary, Louise, from the list of contacts.
Click HERE for the contact page
 |
The choir practices, on Mondays at 7-45pm sharp at Shenfield School, Oliver Road, Shenfield are lively and robust, requiring application, concentration, and attention to detail in attaining a high standard of performance. They are also very enjoyable as well as preparing us all to participate in the production of moving, inspirational and thrilling music from a very varied repertoire. |