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At the first meeting in 1947 a gentleman volunteered
to be secretary but he resigned the very next day. Ernest Dain took
over the post, effectively becoming the society's first secretary.
It was clear from the outset that Ernest was the driving force in all the society’s activities. It was no more than natural that he should succeed Arthur Jones as Conductor in 1970, then become Musical Director until his retirement in January 1997, when he passed over the baton to the Terence Bailey. |
In addition to all these responsibilities Ernest, for a time, became Musical Director of the Wulfruna Ladies Choir. He was also an active member of the National Association of Choirs, becoming the Chairman of Group 11 (embracing 46 Midland choirs) and later the vice chairman of its national body. Ernest died in 2002 and the Singers put on a special concert as a musical tribute to him.
Under Ernest's leadership and guidance the Choir presented concerts in and around the Wolverhampton area and beyond, sharing the platform with many famous orchestras, bands and artists, including the Band of the Life Guards, The Royal Marines Band, The Mozart Orchestra, The English Philharmonic, The Jackfield Band, Angela Beale (their President), David Jacobs, Moira Anderson and Bryn Terfel.
The Choir also supports many local young musicians by providing a platform for performing prior to further studies at university and music conservatories.
The "Carolares" performed each Christmas have become a local institution, as have the ever popular "This England" concerts held each year on or near St. George’s Day, April 23rd, with its emphasis on English music.
The Choir’s repertoire includes spiritual, gospel, folk, sacred, classical and show songs and also includes music specially composed and arranged for the Choir. Generally about six concerts are performed each year, including invitation concerts and the Choir has helped to raise many thousands of pounds from these concerts for local and national charities.
| Terance Bailey has been Musical Director since
Ernest Dain’s retirement in 1997 and his musical leadership and
experience is most valued. He is a music teacher and singer.
Having been a long-serving member of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Choir he has worked with many national and international conductors and musicians. He is a member of the Association of British Choral Directors and under his direction Penn Singers are still performing music to the highest of musical standards, enabling all who perform and all who listen in their audiences to enjoy the very best of the music they offer. |
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Penn Singers are in need of new members, particularly in the tenor and bass sections and would welcome enquiries from anyone interested. No formal audition is required but a commitment to giving of their musical best is essential.
The Choir meets at 7.30 pm on Monday evenings in school term at Woodfield School, Penn, vehicular entrance off Coalway Road; and the Choir Secretary, Anita Morris, (tel: 01902 897545) or the Choir Chairman, Brian Jeavons, (tel: 01902 652992) would be pleased to give further details and information on future concerts.
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