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Choir packs hit the right note with schools 6 April 2011 A VALUABLE new educational resource has been produced for secondary school choirs by Dr Chloe Woolley, Manx Music Specialist for the Manx Heritage Foundation. The 10 Manx songs selected for the pack, which is called Coraa (in English ‘Voice’), represent a range of musical genres and are arranged for various choral settings.  They are demonstrated (with spoken pronunciation where necessary) by Manx choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh on an accompanying CD and each song has a useful introduction featuring vocal warm-ups, performance guidance and background information. Coraa includes the National Anthem (in Manx and English); Ellan Vannin (Manx); Geay Jeh’n Aer (Manx); Invocation to St Bridget (Manx); Reamyn yn Yrjey Vooar (Manx); The Mother’s Carol (English); Yee Reillys Niau (Manx, Latin and English); S’Feayr yn Oie (Manx); Yn Aavioghey (Manx) and Graih my Chree by Scaanjoon (English). Composers and arrangers include Annie Kissack, Greg Joughin, Nigel Brown, Frank Woolley and George Leah. Although designed for secondary school-age singers, the pack is also ideal for use by adult choirs and singing groups and a limited number are available to buy from the Manx Heritage Foundation for £20 each (including postage and packing). For more details, email manxmusicspecialist@mhf.org.im or ring 01624 695787 and send cheques, made payable to the Manx Heritage Foundation, to: Manx Music Development Team, The Stable Building, The University Centre, Old Castletown Road, Douglas, IM2 1QB. Maggie Richardson, Head of Music Service for the Department of Education and Children, said: ‘Congratulations to Chloe for making such a wonderful contribution to the Island’s choral repertoire, bringing together so many Manx composers and arrangers in one volume. This is a wonderful selection of attractive songs, which are beautifully arranged and highly accessible. ‘The DEC’s Manx Youth Choir performed them recently and our young singers really enjoyed learning them and I thoroughly enjoyed teaching them, even though my knowledge of Manx Gaelic is limited. I am certain secondary school choirs will find them really useful. ‘The pack is beautifully produced and the cost of £20 includes a licence for the purchasing institution to photocopy choir parts, making it extremely good value for money. ‘Many of the songs are suitable for Christmas and I am sure this book will quickly become a must-have for every choir on the Island and choirs further afield.’ Photo: Maggie Richardson, Head of Music Service for the Department of Education and Children, and Dr Chloe Woolley, Manx Music Specialist with the Manx Heritage Foundation, launch the choir packs More stories >>>
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