Hart Male Voice choir takes its name from the district of Hart in North East Hampshire, England. The district of Hart includes the town of Fleet, and the villages around it, including, Crookham Village, Church Crookham, Hook, Odiham, and Hartley Wintney.
The choir was formed in 1975, by 5 singers who decided to form a choir, and who initially chose to rehearse in the Chequers pub in Crookham Village. The foundations of the choir, in the form of a Hart and Chequers, are embodied in the choir's emblem.
Now the choir is based in the picturesque Hampshire village of Odiham, and rehearses in the ancient Cross Barn (built in 1532) which is now the cultural centre in the village. Rehearsals take place each Wednesday from 7.45pm to 10pm, with extra rehearsals alternate Monday evenings, and as required before major events.
Membership has grown to over 80 singers. Most members come from Farnham, Farnborough, Aldershot, Fleet, and Alton, but some come from as far as Basingstoke, Winchester, Sunningdale, Wokingham, and Portsmouth, which is made possible by the M3 Motorway and good trunk roads including the A30, which pass close to Odiham. Until recently, one member even travelled from Devon. Members come from all walks of life, and are of all ages from young to elderly. All members are encouraged to participate in the many and varied tasks involved in running the choir. Solo singers, comperes, and deputy conductors are chosen from within the choir. Besides singing members, the choir operates a scheme of Associate Members. The ladies and friends of choir members are also welcome to participate in choir activities. The choir welcomes new members. No previous choral singing experience is necessary, though applicants must be willing to make the necessary commitment, and take a simple voice test (in private!).
The music of the choir, although being based on the traditional male voice choir type of singing, has always had a somewhat wider repertoire than most male voice choirs, and has always included pieces written and/or arranged specially for the choir, mostly by the choir's Musical Director. The repertoire is moved on relatively quickly, though many choir favourites are retained for informal social singing. The choir aims to perform to a high standard of musicality.
The choir is owned by its members. It is managed, in accordance with its written Constitution, by an elected Committee composed of choir members. Elections occur at the annual AGM in June. Sub-committees exist within the choir for specific purposes, such as fund raising, and organising particular events. There is also a committee of members wives, mainly involved in fundraising and catering. Sub-groups also exist within the choir - including a vocal octet and the 'Whacky Warblers' Golf Society (free membership). For non-singers, there is the opportunity to join the choir's 'Associate Membership' scheme, the participants of which, like the choristers, may also enjoy free membership of the 'Whacky Warblers' Golf Society.
The choir is self-financing, its income being mainly derived from members' subscriptions (£6 per month), concert fees, and fundraising activities, including the sales of recordings.
Valerie Hoppé was appointed as Musical Director in 1980. Valerie is professionally trained, and has specialised in choral conducting. Under Valerie's guidance, the choir has gone from strength to strength, both in repertoire and in quality of singing, and this is reflected in the popularity of the public performances of the choir, and in their successes in choral competitions. The choir is also very fortunate in securing the services, since 1991, of Judith Morgan as accompanist.
About 20 concerts are given each year, and the choir participates in choral competitions. The choir also has an active calendar of social events. Concerts, competitions and social events take place in the near neighbourhood of Surrey and Hampshire, further afield in the UK, and also overseas. The choir publishes a quarterly newsletter "Sharpnotes #"
In 1996 the internationally well-known operatic baritone Bryn Terfel agreed to become Choir President.
Copyright © 2008 Hart Male Voice Choir