'Singing for the community' - New Kildare choir aims to bring people together through music
A new community choir based in Kilcullen starting this September is inviting locals of all abilities to discover the joy of singing.
A new community choir is coming to Kilcullen, Co Kildare, this Autumn, offering local people the chance to sing, socialise and become part of a growing musical community.
Valley Voices, led by Kilcullen native and experienced voice conductor Paula Phelan, will officially launch on Wednesday, September 9, with the aim of creating an inclusive space where anyone can enjoy singing, regardless of experience.
Born and raised in Kildare, Paula has spent her career working in music and the arts. She said the idea of the choir came from a desire to give something back to the town she calls home.
“My whole life I’ve worked in music and the arts, so I wanted to really give back a little bit,” she said.
“I love living in Kilcullen. It’s a great place to live and have a family, so the real motivation was to give back to the community.”
While Kilcullen already has established church and gospel choirs, Paula saw an opportunity to create something different, a secular choir open to everyone.
“There isn’t actually a community choir for people who might not want to sing in Mass or anything like that,” she explained.
“I really wanted to do something quite inclusive to everyone.”
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No previous musical experience is required, with Paula encouraging anyone who enjoys music to come along.
“It’s for anybody who just loves music and wants to feel the collective joy of singing,” she said.
The choirs repertoire will feature a mix of well known favourites from the 60s, 70s and 80s, alongside popular folk songs and classic choral arrangements.
Valley Voices will meet every Wednesday evening from 7.15pm to 9.15pm at Kilcullen National School, with the sessions costing €10 per week.
Even before the first rehersal, the response from the local community has exceeded Paula’s expectations.
“We have had over 40 sign-ups at the moment, which I’m gobsmacked by,” Paula said.
With capacity for around 60 members, Paula hopes even more local people will get involved before the sessions begin.
In the future, Paula envisions Valley Voices becoming a familiar presence at community events across the area.
Valley Voices hopes to perform at local celebrations, organise Christmas concerts and music nights, and raise funds for community groups and charities. Further down the line, Paula would also love to establish a singing festival in the town.
“We’ll definitely be a real integral part of the community,” she said.
“We will be singing for the community and with the community. That’s what it’s all about.”
You can learn more about Valley Voices here.