Singing is a way of life for Ruby Ayree and Carol Sadelaar, who have a significant date in their diaries next month. They will join fellow members of Claritas choir for a special anniversary concert at MADS Theatre on Monday, July 13, at 7.30pm.
Two Decades of Song and Fundraising
The event celebrates 20 years of song for the community choir, which has raised more than £70,000 for East Cheshire Hospice. Ruby is one of a handful of members who have been involved throughout, having arrived in Macclesfield from her native Ghana in 1988, the year the hospice opened.
Ruby said: “I inherited my passion for singing and dancing from my parents. It’s obviously in the genes. I love being part of the choir and enjoy the teamwork and friendships I’ve formed over the years. Hopefully, I can carry on for a long time to come and continue blessing those who come to hear us sing and perform.”
New Member Carol's Journey
Carol joined the choir 18 months ago, though she has a long history of singing. She said: “I’ve loved singing since primary school. I delighted in school assemblies and the uplifting feeling of singing with others. I sang in folk groups and local pop and rock band The Altar Egos more recently.
“I loved the idea of singing in a choir while raising money for charity so looked for one to join. There are many out there but after volunteering for East Cheshire Hospice in one of their amazing charity shops, I realised how important it was to raise money for this wonderful charity and thought I'd give Claritas a go.
“Members are extremely friendly and welcoming and we organise social gatherings. Musical director Tim Sparks is hugely encouraging, has a wonderful sense of humour and makes singing great fun. We sing old classics, formal, folk, traditional and popular songs, so all musical tastes are catered for. Tim has incorporated his ukulele group, guitarists and drummers into performances and Benjamin Clarke, a pianist with an impressive background, often accompanies us. If anyone wants to join a choir and support a local charity then they should certainly consider joining us. It's great fun.”
Concert Details and Guest Performers
Guest singers from MADS Theatre, Macclesfield Ukulele Club and bass and trumpet players will join Claritas at their concert. The event slogan is Raising Voices to Raise Money.
Tickets at £12, children under 16 free accompanied by an adult, can be bought from tickets@claritaschoir.com.
