Clark Community Choir, Musselburgh, East Lothian

Overview
Last year a new intergenerational choir was formed in Musselburgh after the untimely death of Robert Clark, the founder and Chairman of St. Ninian's Junior Concert Party and the inspiration for the St. Ninian's Senior Concert Party. Only a few months before he been awarded the title Musselburgh's Citizen of the Year for his work with local children. In the picture Robert (seated centre left) is pictured with his award presented by businessman Tom Farmer).

After a sad, poignant, but wonderful, joint evening of songs of commemoration for his life in November the groups found that, not only did they enjoy singing again, but that they loved singing together and decided to make this a regular occurrence. The new name for this intergenerational organisation is the Clark Community Choir.

The Choir is open to all ages, background or ability - anyone who enjoys singing, even if they consider themselves ‘singaphobics', an expert or somewhere in between. There are no auditions, no pressure and no requirement to be able to read music. It is just spontaneous enjoyment! The motto is "Generations singing together" - the same as Stuart Butterworth's - his singing act was a great hit at the 2009 Perth Scotcip conference. Of course, it's not just about singing, it is also about well-being and a sense of community. A growing body of research suggests singing brings many physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits, such as better lung function, increased alertness and concentration, an enhanced immune system and lower stress levels. And on the emotional side, mood improves and people generally feel more positive about life and the people around them.

How is the Choir Funded?
The Concert Party is self-sufficient organisation. Robert never charged members a fee nor did he ever charge the community - hospitals, senior citizen groups, sheltered housing groups and so on. He did not even ask for expenses - only juice for the children! Two shows per year raised revenue of around £1000 to keep things ticking over. The Clark Community Choir does not put on shows as such. However it plans to amalgamate with the Junior Concert Party and go out into the community with them as they have always done. By adding adult voices to the mix can only enhance the shows and bring even more enjoyment to people who cannot get out and about as much.

"The annual pantomime we will leave to the Junior Concert Party, although there are a couple of men who could easily portray the Ugly Sisters!" jokes Irene Grant, Choir Co-ordinator. "At the Scotcip Perth conference we were inspired by Stuart Butterworth and came home full of ideas for our choir." Irene notes there is only one cloud on the horizon - a High Street bank has refused to support the choir in opening an account!

Secret of Success.                               Picture: The choir in their new 2010 uniforms.

* Anything is possible if done with a sense of humour
* A huge amount can be achieved by helping each other
* Patience is a necessary virtue
* Inspire members to be enthusiastic
* Get an inspirational chair person!

The Choir meets on the last Sunday of every month in St. Ninian's Church Basement, Levenhall, Musselburgh from 6pm - 8pm. They sing Rounds - an easy way of singing in two or more parts: Partner songs that harmonize with each other: Simple "doo wop" style harmony parts.

Contact: Irene Grant: 0131 665 0027 Clark Community Choir Website

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