The group started as a Community Learning and Development adult learning group in 2002 under the title of Singing for Fun. This was a very popular and successful group of 12 women from a variety of backgrounds. In 2003, the original tutor left and a new one was appointed as her replacement. This changeover was significant and the new leaders expertise and professionalism lead to members confidence being improved. Over the next few years the group grew in confidence and began performing. Our first performance was for Adult Learners week in 2003 and this was quickly followed by other local performances to a variety of audiences.
Following this and other successes, in the summer of 2006 the Spectrum Singers were born. This was prompted by us being asked to sing at local and community events and taking part in local and national competitions, and the resulting need both to try to keep costs to a minimum and to do some necessary fundraising. This involved the group in forming a committee, writing a constitution and applying for charitable status. We also ran a local competition to design a logo for the group through youth groups, the school and the local newsletter. There are now 8 people on the committee and all members take on various responsibilities.
Being an independent group, we need to fundraise for the hall rental costs, sheet music, etc. This is done by various means i.e. quiz nights, sales, bag-packing and donations. In addition, we charge a membership fee of £15 per person for a school term - we are confident that doesnt stop anyone from taking part and allows the group to have a small reserve fund for transport, coordinating t-shirts and other costs. We also ensure that the local press are up-to-date with our activities and we are in the process of arranging for publicity on the local community website.
The group has now performed in the Lemon Tree (a local performing arts venue in nearby Aberdeen) and in Castle Fraser, and we had a very successful session in Marks and Spencers in Aberdeen just before Christmas. Our tutor also worked with another choir, and we were invited to join them for a WRI competition in Forfar and were delighted to win this national event. The groups confidence and friendships have grown over time and singing is now an important part of peoples lives.
In 2006, the youth café in Kemnay also developed a singing group and Spectrum Singers invited them along to join in with the Lemon Tree concert. We were delighted to welcome some new younger members and, again through the tutors contacts, we were able to attract in some men! This has changed the dynamics of the group for the better - it has allowed an expansion of the repertoire, included a youth group, changed and improved the cohesiveness of the group and vastly improved confidence of the choir. All members have also made new friends and expanded their social groupings.
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Yaenoeul Children's Choir-Lemon Treeby enidanadiney759 views
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