Hampshire Harmony welcome Clare Oliver as their new MD as she takes up the baton from Monday March 6th. Clare has a wealth of musical knowledge and experience. As well as working with choirs, individuals and delivering workshops, she is also a singer in her own right having sung on radio, television and in operas and recitals. We are looking forward to singing under her leadership, as we continue our pursuit of excellence in singing. |
![]() During his time with us as MD, Rob was very well liked by the choir and his true professionalism was much respected. He inspired us and challenged us to reach a higher standard, improve the quality of our sound and sing with feeling and enthusiasm. We worked hard but we also had a lot of fun! Our repertoire was expanded with many more modern pieces of music, whilst still continuing with sacred and traditional pieces too. Our concerts have been very successful and well received. We are very sorry to see Rob go and we wish him all the very best for the future. We now have the challenging task of recruiting a new Music Director to take the choir further forward. |
Whether the day dawned bright, cold and frosty, or dreary and wet Hampshire Harmony took to a variety of venues in Basingstoke to spread a little festive cheer over the two weekends before Christmas. ![]() It was smiles all round as shoppers stopped to listen and enjoy the music. Audience participation was the order of the day as children of all ages joined in, and many a jingle bell rang out as everyone was gripped by the Christmas spirit and encores were requested. ![]() A fantastic and very enjoyable start to the Christmas holiday for both the choir and, from the smiling crowds, our audiences too. |
![]() In 1982 Jonathan Hedgecock became the accompanist for the choir, known then as Basingstoke Ladies Choir. In November this year we celebrated 40 years of Jonathan accompanying the choir. Not only does he play for the choir but he has also arranged many songs for us, created learning tracks and when needed he has led our rehearsals. We are so lucky to have someone so talented and dedicated. We all appreciate his contribution to the choir, adding to our enjoyment and helping us move forward. Joe French, the choir’s President, presented Jonathan with a card and gifts from the choir ![]() We look forward to many more years of Jonathan on the keyboard. A big thank you from all the choir. ![]() |
In the lovely grounds of Hatchwood House, the venue for Odiham Church Fete, Hampshire Harmony set up their information stand in their new colours to promote the choir. Recordings were played of the choir singing drawing the public to the stand. We also let visitors know about the RAFA Concert where we will be singing to raise money for RAFA KIDZ. This is on Saturday September 24th, 7.30 at All Saints Church in Odiham. A chance to listen to us live! Many ladies showed an interest in the choir as ![]() We hope that some of the people we met will take up our invitation and join us at our next Open Evening which is Monday 3rd October. We rehearse at Everest Community Academy, Oxford Way, Basingstoke, RG24 9UP from 7.30 to 9.30 and we welcome any ladies that would like to come and find out more about singing with Hampshire Harmony. Our Open Evening will involve a meet and greet session, a taste of the Choir singing, fun learning techniques and starting to learn a couple of new songs. We are a very friendly group who really enjoy singing so do come along and have some fun singing with us! |
We are really excited to announce our new name – HAMPSHIRE HARMONY. |
The Choir was delighted to welcome 7 prospective members to our Open Evening on 16th May, following a very successful publicity event at the Chineham shopping centre on 7th May. |
![]() From physical and singing warm up exercises to playing games designed to get us thinking of how different groupings can affect the sound we make, to jumping in and out of an imaginary river to test our skills in making an entry on time, we did it all to a great deal of laughter throughout. In addition to learning new music and revising some of our existing repertoire we spent time on games and exercises related to technique. We now know what is meant by big steps up and baby steps down and much more! Our MD, Rob Elliott was certainly very creative in giving us ways to improve our sound, presentation and performance, challenging both our mental and physical skills. It was not all hard work as we did find the time to enjoy breaks with pastries and a delicious lunch provided by Nicola. The lemon cheesecake was to die for. We were well supported throughout the day by our wonderful volunteers: Gail, Jacquie, Libby, Chris, Philip, Roger, and Brian who gave their time to help in setting up the room and tables for lunch and storing everything at the end of the day. Brian in his marigolds up to his elbows in soapsuds will be an abiding memory of a truly brilliant day. For some members this was their first experience of full-on training in every aspect of singing in a choir but all of us went home at the end of the day, exhilarated, fulfilled, ….. and somewhat exhausted! |