Wigan choir aiming for international competition in USA
A Wigan choir is fund-raising for the “once in a lifetime” opportunity to represent the UK at an international choir competition in Ohio.
Milltown Sound Chorus has set a £4,500 target to attend the international Harmony Classic competition.
In May, the choir earned its highest ever score of 590, won most improved chorus and qualified to compete internationally.
It is a non-profit organisation solely funded by members, and relies heavily on fund-raising and paid engagements to be able to continue to represent the region and UK at national and International competitions.
The choir comprises 30 women from Wigan and surrounding areas aged between 14 and 82 and rehearses each Wednesday evening in Ashton.
Stella Macpherson, member of the Milltown Soul Choir, said: “We are very excited to be able to represent our lovely town of Wigan at an international level and we are asking for any support people can give, either through our fundraising page or by coming along to one of our fund-raising events.
“We want to make people proud of a local choir who will, hopefully, put Wigan on the map for years to come.”
Chorus members pay monthly subscriptions to fund membership to Sweet Adelines International, rehearsal venue costs, liability insurance, costumes, music (arrangements, copyright licenses and learning tracks), coaching and transport to competitions. It’s not just a case of paying for travel and accommodation.
The international competition will be held in Columbus, Ohio next October and the Milltown Sound Chorus are determined to get there.
The previous competition was held in Louisville and saw participation of hundreds of choruses from across the world.
More than 21,000 choir and staff members took part.
Stella said: "I’m really excited about possibly performing in Columbus, it’s an amazing opportunity, definitely once in a lifetime.”
To find out more about the group or to donate visit their Facebook or just giving page: www.facebook.com/milltownsound