A singing member of the Kings of Herts male voice barbershop chorus has been appointed its musical director - and will help spearhead an energetic new year drive for new members.
The Harpenden-based close harmony chorus is planning to mount a recruitment campaign throughout central Herts.
New MD David Wren says: “My principal role will be to seek constant improvement in musical performance but I will also be underlining just how rewarding barbershop is in terms of fun and personal fulfilment.”
David has been a member of the club since 2007 but has a much longer history in choral work - including 15 years as a member of the highly-regarded choirs at St James’s Church, Grimsby, and St Peter’s Cathedral in Peterborough.
In addition, in four years with the National Youth Orchestra, he performed all over the world and in front of thousands in many of the top London concert halls.
David, 45, a father of two of Overstone Road, Harpenden, works in the financial services industry. He succeeds Richard Miller, a composer and arranger graduate of the Royal College of Music who is now having to focus on commissions from the wider world.
David will aim to enhance members’ understanding of musical theory where it aids close harmony singing. “But enjoyment is always at the forefront in both practice and performance,” he said.
“Enjoyable singing has so many benefits for the individual’s well-being. Singing exercises the brain, but it is particularly beneficial for improving breathing, posture and muscle tension. That is why making singing fun is so important.”
Well known for their support for a variety of charities, the 30-strong Kings will be running a four-week recruitment course starting on March 12.
Chairman John Lough took up barbershop singing six years ago after seeing details of an introductory course run by the Kings. He quickly learned that close harmony singing breeds special bonds.
“Barbershop is an amazingly sociable activity. Our members come from a variety of occupational backgrounds and we welcome anyone who can hold a musical part and make a harmony.”
Contact details for the chorus: online at https://www.kingsofherts.co.uk/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kingsofherts/
David Wren and chorus members keeping enjoyment at the forefront.
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