{"id":9,"date":"2021-12-27T20:52:03","date_gmt":"2021-12-27T20:52:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/voicesofexmoor.co.uk\/?page_id=9"},"modified":"2026-07-29T20:49:46","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T20:49:46","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/voicesofexmoor.co.uk\/index.php\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About Us"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Voices of Exmoor is a mixed voice community choir open to all, regardless of ability, experience or whether they can read music or not. There are no auditions either. Our members just need enthusiasm, to enjoy singing with others and, in doing so, can spread an enthusiasm for their love of music to all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

We normally present two main concerts each year – one in the summer and one before Christmas – but we have also enjoyed singing at weddings and other celebrations. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

After we have covered our concert costs, we make a donation to our chosen charity for each year. Over the 20 years that we have been singing, thousands of pounds has been donated to many local charities. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

We are a member of Printing Music Licensing Ltd.<\/a> (PMLL), a company which issues licences to allow the photocopying and arranging of sheet music as part of education and beyond.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

The Beginning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Voices of Exmoor started life in 2005 as a ‘one off’ choir drawn from the three churches in Dulverton to perform Roger Jones’ musical “Saints Alive.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friends joined us from around Exmoor and we gradually grew in number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

April Golding was our founding Musical Director and, having originally agreed to direct one concert with a small group, stayed with us until 2018!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amanda Taylor – Musical Director<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"
Amanda Taylor, Musical Director<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

I come from a family of amateur musicians and learnt to read music and play the descant recorder when I was about 5 or 6. I went to my dad\u2019s orchestra from the age of 8, playing my tenor recorder. Wanting to progress to the clarinet, I waited several years for an opportunity at school and at 16 decided I should try something else. So, I took up the bassoon, and finally passed my grade 8 when I was 18. I absolutely adore all the sounds the bassoon makes, from the beautiful melodious higher notes to the more interesting lower notes. I have played in many orchestras over the years, wind bands and ensembles and just love it. I can also play the 6-string acoustic guitar and 4 string electric bass guitar, although don\u2019t play them as often as I should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a teenager, with one of my sisters I joined the light operatic society that my parents belonged to and, on different occasions, sang and danced in the chorus, played my guitar in the pit orchestra and had the role of Susan in Calamity Jane.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Moving to Exmoor in 2013, I wasn\u2019t sure what musical opportunities there would be, but it has been amazing. I play in several orchestras; I have set up a wind quartet with three friends; I organise and sing in a choir in Challacombe; I have sung in large choirs for charity events and sung solos in concerts and cabaret evenings. I have also produced four Old Time Music Halls to raise funds for the North Devon Hospice, now an annual event in South Molton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before joining Voices of Exmoor, I hadn\u2019t really done much conducting, but this opportunity was an irresistible challenge and I am having a fantastic time. I love being able to put my own interpretation on the music and hopefully give people the confidence to improve their singing. But for me, music and, in particular, being an amateur musician is all about enjoyment. There should be an element of challenge, but we all have to enjoy what we are doing\u2026\u2026.. and, when we pull off a great performance together, what a brilliant feeling that is!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this concert, Amanda had the inspirational idea to complement the singing with the \u201cVoices of Exmoor String Quartet\u201d – four elegant ladies with amazing skill who played beautifully. Amanda had arranged some of the music especially to include the quartet: \u201cSomewhere Only We Know\u201d was performed by all with great feeling and precision and \u201cBenedictus,\u201d sung from memory, was accompanied by a haunting solo cello melody gradually joined by strings, cornet and flute. It was evident that many of the audience were incredibly moved by both the lyrics and spine-tingling harmonies of both of these pieces. Indeed, some members of the audience were even moved to tears.<\/em><\/p>VOICES OF EXMOOR AND FRIENDS – PIMM’S AND PERFORMANCE 2026<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anne and Christopher are our newest couple of only 4 weeks. They say that they have been warmly welcomed and are really enjoying being a part of such a friendly and enthusiastic choir.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another of our choir couples – Roger and Lin. They say they are both highly strung so they love the music!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul and Judy are one of three couples who sing with us. \u201cWe arrive with the burdens of the day and leave with them lifted.\u201d That\u2019s the power of music.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pip is another of our newest members: \u201cIt took me two years to pluck up courage to come through the doors, but there was no need to be panicked. It has been absolutely brilliant to sing with a wonderful bunch of people.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of our newest members, Arnya, says: \u201cIt\u2019s the people! I love being able to sing with such a friendly, welcoming crowd.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final representative from our committee is Caroline, our Secretary. She loves being part of this friendly, vibrant group with the common love of singing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linda, our Events Manager, says that she enjoys getting a team together to transform Dulverton Town Hall for our concerts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Denise, our Publicity Officer, says, \u201cI am giving something back to something that gives me so much.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our librarian, Claire: It is an absolute joy to sing with the choir, but I also love being the librarian. We are lucky to have an extensive library and I really enjoy working with everyone in the choir to ensure they have the right music and that all the licensing requirements are in place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This week we would like to introduce Kevin, who says, \u201cI love singing with a wonderful group. I am happy to use my financial background as Treasurer of Voices of Exmoor.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This week we would like to introduce Mary, Chair of our committee. She says of her role: \u201cIt was time to do some work for the choir I’ve enjoyed singing with for 14 years.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Screenshot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warming up and ready for action after our hard-earned Easter break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are a very friendly choir and members enjoy catching up with all the news each week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Screenshot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our wonderful accompanist, Joke, enjoys playing for the choir because they are very enthusiastic and she enjoys sharing in their sense of achievement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our musical director, Amanda, spends many an hour preparing music for rehearsals and concerts. She enjoys interpreting the music and bringing it to life for everyone in the choir.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This week it\u2019s the turn of our lovely ladies of the soprano section. They say that choir is very uplifting and they go home singing\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This week we are introducing our tenor section, who keep us entertained with their jokes. They say that our Musical Director, Amanda, is \u201cinspirational.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This week we are featuring our jolly bass section, who all agree that singing in the choir is very therapeutic. They certainly look as if they are enjoying themselves.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our alto section continues to go from strength to strength. One member says that she finds the Monday rehearsals \u201cvery uplifting and I sing all the way home!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are back to rehearsal and raring to go after the success of our Christmas concert. More songs to sing and fun to be had in 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Voices of Exmoor is a mixed voice community choir open to all, regardless of ability, experience or whether they can read music or not. There<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t