St. Joseph's Church Choir

Any Dream Will Do?

Listen is the culmination of many months of work by a band of young people whose dedication and stamina has been remarkable. This project, their project - to record and release an album of favourite songs and hymns is the culmination of a dream which sparked into life following a chance remark after a Festive Evening in December 1997. Perhaps the best dreams begin that way.

At this special event the choir performed a number of well known Christmas Carols but, to everyone's surprise, they concluded the evening by rendering some of their favourite songs from popular music. It was here for the first time they were heard to sing "Annie's Song", "Any Dream Will Do" and "Memory". They brought genuine smiles of delight to the faces of the audience and hands rapturously came together in appreciation - an encore was required!

The audience was enthralled. It was equally clear that they would have liked to have captured the evening and taken a little of it away with them. Why not record the choir and make it available as an album? Why not make it a celebration of the new St. Joseph's church (not many months in existence). All profits raised would go towards paying off some of the building debt and charities supported by the church.

The target was set - an album to be released before the end of June 1998 - rehearsals had to begins immediately. Songs and hymns had to be selected. Time sped on and it was not long before the choir was standing nervously in front of a myriad of microphones in church being directed by Sister Anne Marie. We brought the sound studio to the choir to capture the original church sound.

Many little things needed to happen and many gave their time unselfishly to realise this dream and here is the proof - the Choir's 1st CD.

The St. Joseph's Choir, Thame

The members of the choir range from age 7 to 16. They lead the congregation in song each and every Sunday. They dedicate 2 hours each Sunday morning and give up untold additional amounts of their time to lead the congregation in the many special events which occur throughout the year. The choir is as always lead by Sister Anne-Marie (of the order of the Daughters of Providence). Sister's days are very full indeed serving the needs of the parishioners but she still manages to devote the time and energy (from where no one can know) to lead and direct and inspire the choir. She has a lovely voice herself and we did manage to persuade her to add her voice to two of the songs selected for this album (Memory and There but for fortune). Of course we cannot forget the musicians who selflessly provide the backing music. They too have had to sacrifice much in the last six months.

The Songs and Hymns

The choir was more than just a little ambitious in attemping to record 60 + minutes of material for their very first album. They have a very wide repertoire of songs and it proved difficult to make the final selection. In the end we settled on the 23 tracks you will find on this album - a mixture of hymns and songs from the shows and popular music. There is something for all tastes on this CD - from the haunting "Castle In The Cloud" to the emotional and poignant "Deep Calls To Deep". I challenge anyone not to be affected by the angelic voices of the youger singers (mostly 7 and 8 years of age) singing "This Is My Body" and "Where Is Love". The title track "Listen" and the Mexican hymn "La Barca" offer the sweet harmonies of the soloists voices. I think enough has been said. All that remains for you to do is to insert the CD, sit back and enjoy the sound of the St. Joseph's Choir - or better still, sing along with them!

Acknowlegements

There are many to thank for making this project a success. Most notably …

The Choir:: Elspeth Buchanan, Charlotte Burrell, Emma Curry, Charlotte Curry, Julia Goldsmith, Jessica Goldsmith, Deborah Goldsmith, Sarah Kershaw, Abigail Moyle, Eilise Norris. Anna Pettifer, Caroline Pilkington, Lisa Pilkington, Rebecca Slingo, Katy Slingo, Gemma Smith, Clare Smith, Helen Smith, Joanna Sparey, Suzanne Watson
Choir Leader:: Sr. Anne- Marie
The Musicians:: Vaclau (Cello), Tim Hadley (Cello), James Bell (Clarinet), Fran Watson (Flute), Laura Currie (Guitar), Rosemary Currie (Guitar), Alex Goldsmith (Guitar), Lydia Goldsmith (Guitar), Tina Hadley (Guitar), Mary Clark (Violin), Theresa Cranley (Violin).

Photography: Tina Hadley
Artwork: Laura Currie
Recording Engineers: Nigel Neill, Charlie Wood & Meryl Horwood.
Marketing Manager: Mitch Peter
Project Management: David & Michael Norris

More Information:

Promotional Manager for the CD:
Mitch Peter, Thame 215459