Spaces for new singers in Far Cry acapella performance group

Far Cry acapella performance group - spaces for new singers

About us

Far Cry is a mixed acapella group that has been meeting for just over a year. This is not a professional group but we aim for the highest standards possible. We meet under the guidance of Musical Director Jenny Goodman on Thursday evenings 7.30 to 9.30pm at The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen St, Huddersfield HD1 2SP. Term dates for 2016/17 are: 12th Jan to 23rd March (no session 24th Feb) 4th May to 13th July (no session 1st June). We aim to perform each term in some form - this might be busking, organising our own gigs, responding to requests, doing fundraisers, singing at Festivals. There is no obligation to sing at EVERY gig and members are expected to be able to be flexible around parts. We aim to organise our own main gig in the Spring this year.

Our material falls into 3 main categories - world music/roots - this can be Bulgarian, African, Georgian, British folk: political (although we are not a political choir the group shares a interest in social justice and equality and some of our songs reflect that): popular/original - we like a good pop arrangement and also sing songs and arrangements by contemporary acapella group composers including Jenny. We now have a core repertoire which we will add to - practice tracks are available and we plan a “material catch up day” on 29th Jan 2017.

We operate within the learning and teaching philosophy of The Natural Voice Practitioners Network which Jenny is a founder member of - this means we learn our material orally and do not use sheet music - so there is no need to be able to read music and there is a strong emphasis on listening and tuning in. We are expected to learn words and parts by heart so we can perform without paper (tho there are sometimes little prompt cards hidden in people's hands!). There is also a strong emphasis on working on our voices - warming up properly with technical exercises to develop the voices, tuning exercises - we also sometimes work on improvisation. In the year ahead we hope to really perfect the songs we already have in our repertoire, refining arrangements etc as well as learning new songs. There will also be the opportunity to small group singing as part of arrangements

The group is really friendly and welcoming and there is much laughter and fun alongside the hard work. Here’s some quotes from existing members:

“It’s like singing with your best mates. And the songs are all brilliant – plenty of variety, with songs from all over the world, which keeps it interesting. Plus an inspirational teacher – what more could you want?”

“I just love harmonies, and some of the harmonies that we do are really moving. It's great listening to the women sing, but when our bass voices are included, it adds that bit extra”

“I have gained confidence in my voice by being in a small supportive group. After the warm up at the beginning of the session I find that my voice is clearer and my vocal range is larger.”

The group costs £82 per term but concession places are available by negotiation with Jenny and you can pay the fees in half term blocks if that is easier (i.e. £41 per half term)

About you
We're looking for keen, enthusiastic singers - you don't have to be an expert. For men you need a low voice (in classical terms baritone) - but if you don't know what you are and would like to join then contact Jenny and have a chat. For women it will depend where we have gaps in voices.

You need to be able to hold your part in a small group – you audition by attending a group session.

We ask for people to try out for a term and then commit for a year to singing with the group and to attend as many of the weekly rehearsals as possible - there is not usually an expectation to attend additional sessions tho we do sometimes have day rehearsals prior to a big gig - however not everyone is able to attend those.

To find out more contact Jenny on singing.jennyg@googlemail.com or 07984 584923