Rising Voices is a community choir in the truest sense of the word. Cat worked alongside Karen Poolman - a local teacher and singing enthusiast - to found and run the choir from scratch, and over the years Rising Voices has gone from strength to strength, flourishing in to a strong group of singers with a real sense of community and cohesion.
Rising Voices performs without accompaniment; the repertoire is largely based in roots and traditional music, mostly from England but occasionally from further afield. Cat arranges most of the songs herself, and has even been known to venture in to pop from time to time! In short, if they like it - they'll sing it!
The ethos of the choir is very much about community; the singing is taken seriously and performing standards are high, but it is important that everyone is included and having fun at the same time. Each rehearsal starts with tea and cake and a chat, and often finishes with a rousing reprisal of the evening's songs over the washing up!
All the songs are taught by ear so there is no need to be able to read music; there are no auditions to join, and no age restrictions. The songs are arranged in a way that builds up texture and harmony to create a stunning overall effect, whilst at the same time having parts suitable for singers of any ability.
Rising Voices made their debut at Oxford Folk Festival in 2008 and have performed there every year since, as well as at other local events such as Carols at Oxford Castle, Oxfolk Ceilidhs, and venues such as the Ashmolean and Natural History museums.
Practices take place at the United Reform Church Hall, Risinghurst, near Headington, on a Sunday evening from 7.30-9pm in the main hall.
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