Page 22 - Oundle Life March 2025

SING ALONG
Oundle Musical Theatre Choir
Stephen is an acclaimed conductor and
musical director of The Northampton
Male Voice Choir and Market Harborough
Orchestra. Both groups regularly perform to
sell-out audiences with the former joining
Northants Sings Out! (BGT finalists) onstage
at the Derngate in March 2024.
What would the new choristers
make of this local, professional
approach to singing? There’s no
doubt that standards are high, but the
dedicated singers somehow manage
to turn up week-after-week to the
spectacular Oundle School Sports
Centre where they rehearse at 12.30pm
every Thursday for 90 minutes. Perhaps it has
got something to do with the cheery, social
atmosphere where choir members enjoy coffee
and chats in Beans Cafe after rehearsals.
“The results have been remarkable” says
Stephen. “I’ve learned over the years not to
dumb my approach down. The choir is on a
journey and I’m determined that we get to the
standard that I envisage. I’m so pleased when
they achieve. There’s a terrific sense of can-do
and will-do in the room - they’re simply great!”
Soprano Pauline Scholey from Uppingham
who gave up her previous choir to join OLS
says: “It is a super group of interesting people, a
great rehearsal venue with good acoustics and
finally, a highly experienced Musical Director
it gives you
a real buzz
and a great
feeling of
community
with a great sense of humour and expert tuition.
I absolutely love it!”.
Alto Sue Pearson from Oundle reflects “The
perfect blend of rigour and fun! Stephen has
high expectations of us, but supports everyone
fully, no matter their level. It’s so rewarding
when it all comes together - it gives
you a real buzz and a great feeling of
community. A highlight of my week,
every week. Love it!”
2025 is set to be quite a year for
OLS. They are planning a concert with
Northampton Male Voice Choir Lite
(a hand-picked smaller group making
a name for itself across the county).
The details will be released soon but this
should be an incredible evening of music and
entertainment and the concert launch for OLS.
OLS are also opening their doors to potential
new members. Singers are encouraged to come
along and see what it’s all about. No experience
is necessary, just a willingness to learn and to do
a little practice too. On offer are two free taster
sessions and you can take them up on this offer
any time in 2025 from January to April. Just
come along to the Oundle School Sports Centre
(the huge car park) every Thursday at 12.30pm.
For more information or to discuss in more
detail contact Stephen Bell 07749 111171.
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