Very soon after starting piano lessons, I became a chorister at Wakefield Cathedral. My interest in choral music has never left me and all of my later organist roles have involved working with church choirs. I now work with a range of secular choirs and I enjoy the challenge of teaching children to sing at school!
Each week, I work with hundreds of singers from the age of four to retirees. I teach a wide-range of repertoire, from nursery songs to opera arias and I’m always listening out to make new musical discoveries to share with my choirs.
Camberwell Community Choir
In 2011, I took the first rehearsal of a new, non-auditioned choir in Camberwell. Since then, the choir has grown to over 40 people attending rehearsals each week, with many more joining in for concerts and workshops.
Whilst the choir performs at community events in and around Camberwell, we’ve also performed at the Royal Festival Hall, Snape Maltings and at the Young Vic theatre. Some of our favourite events include ‘Choir in the Crypt’, ‘Carols ’round Camberwell’ and ‘Wine and Cheese’ night.
School Singing
Every Tuesday in term time, I rehearse all the year groups at Lyndhurst Primary School.
Working with children from nursery age to year six, I choose songs that enthuse and fit in with current topics. I always choose a theme for each term – for example, songs about London, Disney, Musicals, Camberwell, Spring and others.
One of the highlights of the school year is our ‘Playground Proms’ event which takes place in the summer. Everyone gets the chance to perform and I arrange music for a house band that accompanies everyone.
St Giles’ Church Choir
As part of my duties as Director of Music, I run the church choir at St Giles’ in Camberwell. We perform classic Anglican repertoire every week and perform at special services throughout the year. Choir rehearsals take place on Friday evenings.
I also run a junior church choir which is a fantastic way for young people to learn how to use their voices well.
Come & Sing Events
musicatstgiles.com
Throughout the year, I run ‘Come & Sing’ events, usually based at St Giles’. These can range from evensongs and carol services to larger works, such as Fauré’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria and Rutter’s Requiem.
Ashley Valentine 