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Who’s In the House: New Vision Chinese Choir

Who’s In the House: New Vision Chinese Choir

Feb 7, 2024

Ni hao friends,

We’re very excited to create New Vision Chinese Choir as part of our funded project ‘Who’s In the House’. 

This choir is FREE* to join – so snap up your space NOW to avoid disappointment.

DETAILS: 

  • Choir Lead: Fiona Chen
  • When: Every Saturday, term-time only
  • Where: Music House, St Mark’s House, 1 St Mark’s Avenue, LEEDS LS2 9B
  • Time:  12:10pm – 1:10pm
  • Who’s it for? Women and children (minimum age 8 years)
  • SECURE YOUR SPACE! Email newvisioneducationuk@gmail.com

Those joining this choir can look forward to learning a range of beautiful Mandarin songs which will also help the children with pronunciation, vocabulary and bi-lingual skills.

*This choir is FREE  but if you would like to make a voluntary donation you can do so.

Fiona Chen, Soprano and choir lead

Fiona Chen was born in Sabah, Malaysia and graduated from Trinity College of Music in London. She teaches Mandarin and Music at at a primary school in Halifax. She also enjoys her role as a one-to-one singing and piano teacher at the school.

Fiona has performed in Raymond Gubbay’s ‘Opera in the Round’ productions at the Royal Albert Hall and major arenas in various UK cities. She has also sung oratorio solos for a number of church choirs.

In recent years, Fiona sings with Alyssium (a female vocal ensemble which takes a keen interest in promoting contemporary music) as well as singing with Orion Chamber Choir (an SATB choir). 

Who’s in the House incudes two other FREE choirs:

This project is supported by: 

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Who’s In The House: Free Reggae Choir

Who’s In The House: Free Reggae Choir

Feb 1, 2024

Hello Friends,

We’re pleased to create a brand new Reggae Choir as part of our funded project ‘Who’s In the House’.

Places are limited so sign-up as soon as possible for a guaranteed ‘awesome’ music experience. 

DETAILS:

  • Choir Lead: Annette Judah Morris
  • When: Every Wednesday
  • Where: Music House, St Mark’s House, 1 St Mark’s Avenue, LEEDS LS2 9BN
  • Time:  6pm – 7.30pm
  • How long will the choir run? There will be approximately 22 sessions
  • Who’s it for? Children and young people up to 19 years
  • SECURE YOUR SPACE! Click this link to register

Annette Judah Morris
Annette’s amazing career spans over 40 years as one half of the fabulous British duet, Royal Blood. 

Annette also has extensive experience in activism, mental health and social care to – important empower the people who take part in this choir. The choir sessions are going to be a fun and educational experience; an opportunity to learn about the evolution of Reggae music and how it has influenced many aspects of life around the world. It truly is woven through the fabric of our lives and we may not know it.

“Reggae brings people together through rhythm, like a heartbeat that never stops.” Sheila Howarth, Music House Trustee

Who’s in the House incudes two other FREE choirs:

This project is supported by: 

Who’s In The House: Community Gospel Choir

Who’s In The House: Community Gospel Choir

Jan 25, 2024

Hello Gospel  music lovers!

Thanks for clicking on this page to find out more about our FREE Community Gospel Choir 

The choir was formed thanks to funding from Arts Council England and Leeds City Council. Although the project ‘Who’s In The House’ has now ended, we are delighted that the Gospel Choir has continued and goes from stength to strength.

To find out more and to join the choir please click here

All ages and experiences welcome from complete beginners to those with singing experience.

Who’s in the House created  two other FREE choirs:

This project was supported by: 

 

Address

St Marks House,
1 St Marks Avenue,
Leeds, LS2 9BN

Phone

0113 243 1605

Email

admin@music-house.org.uk

Follow Us
Music House is a sub-brand of the Yorkshire College of Music and Drama. Yorkshire College of Music and Drama is a non-profit making charitable trust, registered with the Charity Commission no. 0529220, and is governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees.
Emma and Dawn Collaborations

Emma and Dawn Collaborations

Oct 18, 2023

Emma and Dawn Collaboration wass set up by Dawn Fuller and Emma Tregidden earlier this year to offer creative, compassionate collaborative working with arts organisations across the region. Emma and Dawn were previously founders and co-leaders of Space2 for 20 years. Space2 is an award-winning arts and social change organisation, with a pioneering, distinctive participatory practice, based in inner East Leeds.

Emma and Dawn Collaborations are currently working with us (Music House), Space2, Balbir Singh Dance Company, Gary Clarke Company, Heritage Corner, Allerton Primary School and Peter Spafford Projects. Their work focuses on creative health, participatory practice and unheard stories.  They work extensively with Universities and were recently appointed to the Advisory Board of University of Leeds’ INCLUDE+ Network; work with University of Durham and Leeds Beckett University through Balbir’ Singh’s Unmasking Pain project and LBU’s Design School. Emma and Dawn were recently awarded Honorary Professorships of Practice at University of Cumbria.

Follow them on insta (@dawnemmacollabs) or get in touch via email: dawn@emmadawncollabs.co.uk or emma@emmadawncollabs.co.uk.

Help Us Unlock the Sound … and build dreams in the basement 

Help Us Unlock the Sound … and build dreams in the basement 

Oct 16, 2023

We’re beyond excited to share with you a remarkable initiative that embodies the power of unity and music: our crowdfunding campaign to establish an inclusive music hub where every person, regardless of their circumstances, can experience the transformative magic of music.

Our vision is to create a fully equipped recording studio, mixing room, rehearsal space, and podcast facility at Music House. This hub will not only foster creativity and artistry but will also serve as a sanctuary for healing, empowerment and joy.

We believe that music has the extraordinary ability to bridge gaps and connect hearts. With your support, we can transform this belief into a reality that touches lives and leaves a lasting impact on our community.

Watch our short video to find out more. 

To donate and find out Click here to go to our crowdfunding page

OR BETTER STILL, scan the QR code:

Every pledge will be appreciated so much and we’ll be extremely grateful. 

Stay tuned for more updates on our inspiring journey!

 

 

 

Reggae Roots perform at prestigious Gala Dinner

Reggae Roots perform at prestigious Gala Dinner

Oct 11, 2023

On the eve of Friday 29 September, Music House was honoured to attend The Hibiscus Rising Gala Dinner/ fundraiser  in memory of David Oluwale.  This black tie event, attended by over 200 people was hosted by Cllrs Abigail Marshall Katung and Jonathan Pryor.

The night was a colourful, exhilarating and moving event full of education, special talks and performances including our very own Reggae Roots.

Word is getting out about our Choir – even more so since Reggae Roots were invited to sing for our King at his Coronation in May.

This short video clip includes a a snippet of our Chair, David Hughes, discussing the importance of music, what it means to our communities and how Music House is helping make music accessible. There’s also a sample of the mesmerising performance Reggae Roots gave.

David Oluwale’s story is absolutely shocking and tragic beyond belief! He was systemically assaulted by two policemen who caused his death on 18 April 1969. To find out more about David and The David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA) please click here

Supporting Fredlin’s first steps

Supporting Fredlin’s first steps

Oct 9, 2023

We met Fredlin Morency about a year ago through Christella Litras who has been working with this up-and-coming singer/songwriter as his creative mentor and singing teacher.

If you know Fredlin, you will know he’s got an amazing voice and he’s heading for stardom in the future. If you haven’t heard of him… you definitely will.  At just 18 years old, he’s a singer, musician, composer musical director and choir leader … he’s creating hype.

On 15 September 2023, Fredlin took a leap of faith with his very first concert ‘Fredlin’s First Steps’ at Leeds Playhouse. Packing out the Quarry Theatre, Fredlin creatively told his story with the help of a few friends including Graft, Caution Collective, Crib Ent ltd. band and some fantastic dancers.

In the weeks up to his concert, juggling study with rehearsals and having very little disposable income… Music House came to the rescue!

We opened our doors to Fredlin – giving him much needed FREE rehearsal space for him/his supporting musicians. Our  PA system was at his disposal, we helped with his promotional flyers and saved his printing costs.  By taking the stress out of the things he would otherwise have had to sort out, we helped Fredlin to focus on what he does best.

Fredlin Morency is the name. You will remember it.

Gospel / Gospel Choir Masterclasses

Gospel / Gospel Choir Masterclasses

Jul 19, 2023

Music House is very excited to present a series of Gospel  Masterclasses and a special finale not-to-be missed Gospel Choir Masterclass in August over four day: Tuesday 8 August through to Friday 11 August 2023. 

Gospel Masterclasses: 8, 9, 10 August
Lead by revered musical artiste: Leroy Johnson – get ready to immerse yourself in a learning, sharing, practical experience that will enrich your knowledge and appreciation.

Gospel Choir Masterclass: 11 August
We are delighted to announce, by special request, singing sensation Onita Boone is flying to the UK to deliver a Gospel Choir Masterclass. Not-to-be missed!

Find out more about the history of Gospel music and its origins which have evolved from generations of African music with Christianity at its heart. Gospel has influenced social, cultural and economic factors across the globe – today it is phenomenal. Songs or hymns are often spiritual and repeated in a ‘call and response’ technique.

You’ll be able to take away the valuable nuggets and continue your journey of understanding and exploration.

Tickets will sell out quickly! To avoid disappointment, secure your space.

A little bit about our hosts…

Leroy Johnson
Leeds base musician Leroy Johnson has over 30 years experience in the music industry. He has worked with some a artists including Gloria Gaynor, All Saints, Five and many more.  He is a winner of the much acclaimed  Legacy Awards: Arts and Culture 2022.

Leroy is the Founder and Director at IAM Music Academy 

Onita Boone
Renowned signer/songwriter Onita Boone has featured in a number of Broadway productions including Arms too Short to Box With God and The Rapture.

She has shared the limelight with world-famous artists including Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, George Michael, Jennifer Holliday, Stephanie Mills, Teddy Pendergrass, The Clark Sisters,Take Six, BeBe and CeCe Winans … the list goes on.

During her very successful career, she has also written for the likes of Newburgh Free Academy Gospel recording alumni choir, Dennis Brown (the late Jamaican star), Gregory Isaccs, Brownstone, Mary J. Blige, En Vogue and a host of others.

Gospel Masterclasses / Gospel Choir Masterclass: : 8, 9,10, 11 August
Timetable and details

Dates  Times  Details Host  Price 
Tuesday 8 Aug
Wednesday 9 Aug
Thursday 10 Aug 		 10am – 1pm  Gospel Masterclasses 
These sessions are for young people (12- 19 year old) 		 Leroy Johnson  £15
Tuesday 8 Aug
Wednesday 9 Aug
Thursday 10 Aug 		 6pm – 9pm  Gospel Masterclasses
These sessions are for adults (20+)		 Leroy Johnson  £25
Friday 11 Aug 6pm – 9pm Gospel Choire Masterclass
This session is for young people and adults 		 Onita Boone  £30


BOOKING DETAILS
All the above detailed masterclasses can be booked via Eventbrite on the following link:

Gospel Masterclasses link
You can book one, two, three or four masterclasses – simply pick your selection!

If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0113 243 1605 Monday to Friday 09.30am to 7pm. 

We can’t wait to see you and welcome you to these very exciting masterclasses that kick off our masterclasses season 

 

Music House News

Music House News

Jul 17, 2023

Read the latest edition of our newsletter which is full of bitesize information about some of the recent, current and future things that are happening at Music House.

We value your feedback and love to read your comments and suggestions, so please email sheilasispal.ycmd@gmail.com if you have anything that you’d like to say.

UK’s first youth reggae choir to perform at King’s Coronation Concert 

UK’s first youth reggae choir to perform at King’s Coronation Concert 

May 3, 2023

Leeds youth choir, Reggae Roots, has been selected to perform for King Charles as part of the Coronation Choir. The 300-strong Coronation Choir will be a key part in the Coronation Concert, taking place on the second day of coronation celebrations on Sunday 7th May. The concert will be staged on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle and is set to feature the Coronation Choir and stars including Take That, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.
 
The Coronation Choir is bringing together singers from across the UK, including refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups and deaf signing choirs. Reggae Roots will feature in the BBC’s documentary Sing For The King: The Search for the Coronation Choir – telling the story of how the choir was assembled.
 
Reggae Roots provides young people with space outside of school to be creative, perform and improve their mental health and wellbeing through music. The Reggae Roots Choir recently performed live at the closing event of The World Reimagined at The Tetley. Reggae Roots is supported by two local Leeds charities, the Geraldine Connor Foundation and Music House.   
 
Nick Wayne, Trustee of Music House, added:
 
“Working with the young people in Reggae Roots over the past months has been a joy and a privilege. Their commitment and enthusiasm ties in beautifully with the ethos and charitable aims of Music House, and for them to be selected to sing for the King at the Coronation Concert is a testament to each and every one of them and the teams at the Geraldine Connor Foundation and Music House.
 
“Music House aims to provide music and singing lessons as well as the participation in, and appreciation of music and singing, to everyone, irrespective of their ability to pay or their physical or mental capabilities. 
 
“The Reggae Roots project is a perfect manifestation of what Music House is all about and we are proud to be a part of their success.”
 

Selina McGonagle, Director of the Geraldine Connor Foundation, commented:

 
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for are young people. To be given this chance to perform to a live audience of thousands, set to be seen by a UK and global audience of millions, will be life changing.
 
“Taking part in this momentous celebration, will give the young members of the choir a real-world experience of large-scale performance events. Many members of Reggae Roots will hope to one day have a career in the performing arts, and this experience will be a great catalyst.
 
“When the Geraldine Connor Foundation team submitted Reggae Roots for consideration in the Coronation Choir this January, we didn’t expect just a few short months later we’d be getting bags packed for Windsor! They will do Leeds proud.”
 
Photo of Reggae Roots [Credit: Sophie Okonkwo]