In profile: Paddock Wood Choral Society

WITH more than 60 active members and an exciting programme of concerts in store, Paddock Wood Choral Society has plenty of reasons to feel upbeat as it approaches its 30th year.

Founded as a community choir with just a handful of members in January 1980, the group is enjoying unprecedented levels of interest under its enthusiastic music director Adrian Pitts.

"When I took it over the membership was solid," he said, "but in the three years I've been there we've grown. In terms of some of the bigger choral societies around it's a modest size, but it has grown by about 10 to 15 members over the last couple of years."

New singers have come on board after attending one of the society's popular open rehearsals – the next is planned for April 21 – and a public plea in the Kent and Sussex Courier before Christmas attracted another handful, but they are still hungry for more.

"We are always looking out for new members, particularly gentlemen," said Adrian.

Despite a slight shortage of deeper voices, Adrian – a former head of music at Tonbridge Grammar School – says the choir is well worth hearing.

"For a mixed ability group it performs to a very good standard," he said. "And they're constantly trying to improve, which is what I like about it.

"The enjoyment of singing is the key thing, whatever the repertoire. My emphasis in the choir is on having fun when we rehearse, but then being able to also put on a good quality concert."

The choir puts on three concerts a year at St Andrew's Church in Maidstone Road, a venue which is also home to rehearsals every Tuesday at 7.45pm.

The next concert, on March 28, features accompaniment from the professional Henham Orchestra. Adrian calls it "the musical pinnacle of the year". He said: "It's a chance to work with professional soloists and I think it's quite special for the town community. This is high quality music making on their doorstep."

Adrian, who chooses the music, leads the rehearsals and plans the concerts, has scheduled performances as far ahead as summer 2010, when the society's 30th anniversary will be marked with an African-themed evening connected to Bereko in Tanzania, a town with well-established links to Paddock Wood.

"It's in early discussions but we've got the commitment from the music team at Mascalls and at the primary school," he said.

"I'm interested in a concert where everybody's participating. Members of the community can come along and experience things like African gumboot dancing and a whole series of workshops. My ambition is to have a concert that is more than just a concert."

The ambition to have a choral society that is more than just a choral society has clearly already been achieved.

For information on the society phone Carol Barnett on 01892 834814 or visit thisiskent.co.uk/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.thisiskent.co.uk/links.

Details of forthcoming concerts are also online at paddockwoodnews thisiskent.co.uk