Redditch Community Gospel Choir (RCGC)
"The Sound of the Community"
Redditch Community Gospel Choir (RCGC) is a brand new choir for the Redditch & Bromsgrove Community. The choir is locally formed, locally based and locally recruited to give the local people a sense of pride and ownership. Having said that, since the choir started in May 2010, participants have been made welcome even if they are not from Redditch or Bromsgrove. It has been fantastic to have participants join from neighbouring Alcester, Birmingham, Solihull, Stourport on Severn, Studley and various parts of Warwickshire & Worcestershire.
As music is the universal language that cuts across all divides whether culture, gender, age or class. The aim of the gospel choir is to bring together a diverse group of the community who are inspired to sing or play instruments.
Many people may have seen Gospel Choirs on television such as “Last Choir Standing” and theatre shows such as “Sister Act”. The Sister Act choirs really are representative of Gospel Choirs we have been in. Gospel music is lively and embraces all music genres ranging from Jazz to Rock.
By generating interest in the choir we hope that people will come along and realise that being part of a Gospel choir can be a very fun, heart warming experience. We are also looking for volunteers with experience in working with live entertainment or musical groups.
The participants in the choir can be of any age, however under 18's must be accompanied by an adult at rehearsals and events.
The Co Founders of the choir come from a background where Gospel music was always high on their musical agenda due to its sound, rhythm, grooves and the lyrics.
Co Founders
Dexter - Music Director Rosie - PR & Marketing/Choreographer
Mark - Technical/Sound Elaine - Co Director/Choir Development Coordinator
Questions & Answers
Q. Where are the rehearsals held? | A. Arrow Vale Community School, Green Sward Lane, Matchborough West, Redditch |
Q. Do I have to be a Christian to join the choir? | A. Not at all. The choir is for the community, we are not checking anyones religious beliefs. |
Q. Will I need to bring anything to the rehearsals | A. Just yourself, a bottle of water to keep your voices lubricated and your lyrics as you will only be issued with one set of lyrics when a new song is introduced. |
Q. Who are the organisers of RCGC?. | A. The organisers are from the local community and all have a background in singing and playing gospel music. Dexter - (Music Director), Elaine - (Co-Choir Director), |
Q. Is there anything I can do to support the project other than singing? | A. Yes, we are looking for volunteers in all areas from fund raisers, administrators or helpers with refreshments, your support will be gladly received. |
Q. Do I have to be a professional singer to join the choir? | A. No , not at all. We want professionals, amateurs or anyone from the local Redditch, Bromsgrove and surrounding communities who enjoys gospel music. |
Q. Will there be an audition process? | A. There won't be an audition process for singers, just come along and sing, we will help you find your pitch and place you in the appropriate section. |
Q. I am interested in playing a musical instrument, what do I need to do to get in the band? | A. Complete the form on the contact us tab and let us know what instrument you play. Let us have as much detail as possible i.e I play instruments from music sheets only, or I play by ear. Our music director will then make contact with you. |
Q. What type of events will the choir be singing at? | A. We would like the choir to be involved in local events to raise funds for charities. However, for this year, how about a end of year concert - it's already on the agenda... |
Q. Will there be a membership fee for participants? | A. There is currently no charge to RCGC choir participants.
The organisers are seeking local government funding and will organise fund raising events to support the choir in the long term. In the meantime, we would like to thank everyone that has supported the choir with voluntary gifts, donations and prayers. |
| Q. Will you be doing a choir for the under 18's? | A. Absolutely. This will be in phase two of the project plan. We will of course be looking for support from youth workers to help us drive this forward. If you know anyone that fits the bill, please let us know. |
"Gospel music is written to express either a personal or communal belief regarding Christian life and is performed for many purposes including aesthetic pleasure religious ceremonial and entertainment. However, a common theme of most gospel music is praise worship and thanks." Wikipedia