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Katrina_Geraghty

 

 

"We sing for fun and we sing for charity"

 

Katrina Geraghty

Choir founder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Early history

 

The following newspaper cutting from Ivan and Monica Chapman recounts the early history of the choir.

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   The choir was born at St Uny School, Carbis Bay [Methodist Church], where Katrina [Geraghty] was teaching, for a term as a county peripatetic music teacher.

  

   It began as an ad hoc group of about 25 voices, made up of staff, parents and school helpers. It formed to provide an extra bit of jollity to the end of year concert, on a one off basis. But you can't keep a good choir (conductor and accompanist) down. Next time there was an opportunity to entertain, with enjoyment the choir hastily reformed, and has been doing so ever since. Far from collapsing when Katrina went elsewhere to teach, members have remained on call and have responded when the call came.

  

   This year [2004], Mrs Geraghty took everyone by surprise in becoming a full-time member of the music staff at St Ives Comprehensive School and in her enthusiasm has changed the choir's status from selective to comprehensive. "Everyone is welcome", says Katrina, "from 11 to 90, just come along and sing." The result of this invitation: St Ives Community Choir.

 

   The role now numbers something like 75 [in 2004], most of whom were present at the parish church on the Monday of Christmas week, to support the annual carol concert of St Ives School and were much appreciated by all present. The choir has also supported many events over the festive period including the switching on of St Ives Lights, a carol concert for the elderly in Carbis Bay and the jollying along of festivities at the rugby club. Choir members have greatly enjoyed their festive singing and are pleased to place on record their appreciation of Katrina, their energetic conductor, but also Alison Ashby [accompanist] who has worked with them so faithfully and with such good humour. Watch this space in 2005.

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About us

The choir was formed in September 2004 under the directorship of Katrina Geraghty, the head of music at St Ives Community School.  Coming from a very musical background she had a vision to gather together people from the town to sing.  There were never any auditions. If you enjoyed singing you could join the choir. This philosophy has remained.   

 

Any choir needs a capable and willing accompanist.  Deputy Headteacher of Nancledra Primary School, Alison Ashby, has filled the role admirably from the outset, juggling a busy life to fulfil her task with great enthusiasm.

The choir, like many, is always looking for new members, especially if they are men! The tenors in particular have remained low in numbers. But hard work is put into producing a balanced and pleasing sound. Members include those who can read music confidently and those who are learning this whole new language. In 2012 Katrina retired from the choir owing to work commitments. William Thomas freely took the job of musical director and has built on the work previously done.

 

Rehearsals were held in the music room at St Ives Community School, until the choir became too large. It then moved to St Ia Church hall in Carbis Bay for somet time before moving to the Carbis Bay Methodist Church.

For several years we have hired the Carbis Bay Memorial Hall, which we use for practices along with social events and a concert or two each year.

 

A new keyboard and stand were purchased. This can be used outside and also means that the choir never has to sing with an out of tune instrument.