Our Other Activities...

Socialising

The Dew Drop Inn on the Banbury road is the customary meeting-place after rehearsal on Thursday evenings, and it is here where plans are often laid for other activities, in particular the choir holiday.

It is also traditional for there to be an end-of-term party after each major concert - an opportunity for members to mull over their performance, and the reviews, over a glass or two of wine!

Choir Holiday

Every year since 2001, usually at the end of August, some members of the choir have taken a singing summer holiday together!

As well as giving members the chance to explore a lovely part of the world in pleasant company, it's an opportunity to try singing something a bit different from the normal choral repertoire. The group that goes on the holiday is usually around 20 strong, and the repertoire reflects this, being mainly a capella pieces, often including traditional part-songs and madrigals. The pieces are rehearsed during the week, but rehearsals leave plenty of time for members to relax, explore the local area, and sample the local cuisine. The week culminates in one or more performances to appreciative locals, where the smaller choir group perform as the Summertown Singers.

To browse photos and other memorabilia from previous holidays just follow the links below...

• 2008 ~ Montecchio, Umbria, Italy
• 2007 ~ Montecchio, Umbria, Italy
• 2001 - 2006 ~ Jimena de la Frontera, Spain

If you fancy the idea of a week spent singing in beautiful surroundings and with good company, why not think about coming along next year?

Singing and Health

"Research at Newcastle University shows that communal singing is good for mind and body. It's relaxing, improves breathing and muscle tone and creates a healthier immune system. Depression, stress, low esteem, even asthma and chronic pain, have been helped by singing. There are claims that regular singing can prolong life, and that it helps in the treatment of stammering." (Independent 2003)

Good technique helps to maximise the benefits and pleasure of singing, so we organise regular workshops (once per year) with recognised singing teachers, to give us all an opportunity to improve.