From very small beginnings when it was
formed in 1995, the Bournemouth based Dorset Police Male Voice
Choir is now a well-established choir of 60 members with a high
reputation.
The choir is charity based and performs
approximately 10 concerts a year for a variety of charities.
It has built a high reputation both locally and overseas, having
toured and performed in many parts of the UK, France, Guernsey, Ireland and
California, USA.
In promoting male voice singing under the
musical direction of Jane Oakland, the choir has developed an
extensive repertoire, including classical and secular music, folk
songs, love songs, songs from the shows, traditional male voice
pieces and popular music.
The choir is a very enthusiastic, friendly and
sociable group with plenty of camaraderie and continues to promote
male voice singing, whilst providing enjoyment for its’ members,
supporters, audiences and the wider community.
The choir is always on the lookout for new
members and further information is detailed below.
Musical Team
Jane Oakland MA - Musical Director
Jane began her musical education at Huddersfield
School of Music and later at the Guildhall School of Music in
London.
In 1980, Jane began her career as a
professional singer with the Scottish Opera and during that time
was also a member of a close harmony cabaret group that performed
throughout Scotland as well as for BBC radio and television.
In 1990, Jane moved to Holland where she has
sung with de Nederlandse Opera, Nationale Reis Opera, the Radio
Choir and in Belgium, de Vlaamse Opera with her work having taken
her to opera houses in Venice, Frankfurt, Mannheim, Santander,
Paris, Luxembourg and Salzburger Festspiel. She also gave
concert performances in 2006 in the Cayman Islands and in 2007
created the role of Betty in Jonathan Harvey’s Opera ‘Wagner Dream’
for de Nederlandse Opera, which toured to Luxembourg, Paris and
Brussels.
Whilst in Holland, Jane ran a busy teaching
practice and was Director of Music and Conductor of several choirs,
more recently including two ladies choirs and a male voice
choir. She has also undertaken specialist study in Music
Psychology to provide musicians with greater insight into skill
development and preparation for performance, including the
understanding of performance anxiety.
Awarded an MA in Psychology for Musicians from
Sheffield University in 2005, Jane also has a Diploma in Music
Medicine Therapy and is currently researching for a PhD into the
effects of enforced career transition for musicians with Glasgow
University. She has published several articles on this
subject and given talks at conferences world-wide.
Jane has recently returned to Britain and in
addition to taking up the role of Director of Music and Conductor
with the Dorset Police Male Voice Choir from October 2009, combines
a professional singing career with a private practice for vocal
training and performance psychology.
Christine Langton (ALCM) – Accompanist
Christine’s enthusiasm and musical talent
undoubtedly plays a vital part in the Choirs’ success and
achievements.
Having originally studied at the Guildhall
School of Music and Drama, Christine has sung with various groups
and been involved with a number of music groups and choirs as an
accompanist in addition to her work as a piano teacher and pianist
at functions and events.
Christine joined the Dorset Police Male Voice
Choir as accompanist in 2009.
Rehearsals
Choir rehearsals are held weekly, on Tuesday evenings, from 7.30
– 9.30 pm at:
The Music and Arts Department
Bournemouth School for Girls
Castle Lane
Bournemouth
Joining the Choir
New members are always very welcome and it
isn’t necessary to be a member of Dorset Police to join the
choir.
No experience is necessary but a willingness
to learn and be part of an enthusiastic, sociable and close-knit
team are what’s really important. Membership is open to
all-comers and the ability to read music although an advantage,
isn’t necessary either. All that’s really needed is a
pleasant voice, a love of singing and the motivation and
willingness to learn, attend rehearsals and be a part of an
enthusiastic, sociable and close-knit team.
The choir is split into four sections –
First Tenor, Second Tenor, First Bass and Second Bass, ranging
respectively from highest to lowest voices. If you don’t know
where your voice fits, our Musical Director, Jane, will help and
advise.
Why not break the ice, pop in, see the
choir, listen and have a chat one Tuesday evening when we
rehearse?
Most people join because they had the desire
to have a go and you can be sure of a very warm welcome, in
informal surroundings with all the support you need.
Remember – the most important
attributes are enthusiasm and commitment.
Interested in finding out more? Please
email Choir Secretary, Barry Beesley at margbar58@ntlworld.com or
call 01202 268332.
Concerts and Engagements
Arrangements for engagements are normally
made at the beginning of July for the following calendar
year.
If you are interested in arranging a concert
by the choir, please contact the Choir Secretary, Barry Beesley at
margbar58@ntlworld.com or call
01202 268332.
For information, ticket points and details of
the choir’s current concert programme for the year, please follow
this link >
CD's
The choir’s current CD’s, aptly entitled On
the Beat and the latest recording, An Arresting Sound, provide a
superb collection of favourites with a range of popular pieces from
musicals, to classical, traditional and folk songs and a selection
of love songs.
At £5 and £8 each or £10 for the two
titles, the choir hopes to captivate listeners and provide endless
enjoyment.
For enquiries or sales, please email the
Assist. Social Secretary, Freddie Lee email lencoleman@uwclub.net or tel
01202 693284.
For enquiries
regarding:
- Rehearsals
- Joining the Choir
- Concerts and Future Engagements
- Booking the Choir
- Other Enquiries
Please contact the Choir Secretary, Barry
Beesley at margbar58@ntlworld.com or
Tel 01202 268332
For CD Sales or enquiries:
Please contact the Choir Assist. Social
Secretary, Freddie Lee email lencoleman@uwclub.net or tel.
01202 693284.
Contacts:
Choir Secretary Barry Beesley email margbar@ntlworld.com or Tel 01202
268332
Choir Chairman John Homer email johnhomer05@yahoo.co.uk or Tel
01202 842028.