In the mid-1990s, the telecommunications company BT instituted its “BT Voices for Hospices” event, whereby groups of singers, mainly in the UK but also worldwide, assemble on a pre-arranged date to rehearse and perform a major choral work, the resulting charity concert being in aid of a local hospice. On 18th October 1997, the appointed work was Handel’s Messiah.
The ad-hoc group that assembled in St. Mungo’s Parish Church. Alloa on that date included amateur opera performers, church choir choristers, professional and semi-professional musicians, former members of the old Clackmannanshire Choral Society which had disbanded in the previous decade, music teachers and members of the public who just wanted a good sing or play! From the success and pure enjoyment of this venture was reborn Clackmannanshire Choral Society in its current incarnation. In the ensuing years the choir has fluctuated in size between 30 and 50 members. At the time of the Covid Pandemic Lockdown in March 2020, we were a small chamber choir of just over 30. Since we resumed after a long recess in September 2022, we have been growing steadily and have exceeded pre-pandemic strength.
The choir retains an accompanist / repetiteur and a conductor / music director by annual honorarium.
The Society performs publicly at least twice a year, rehearsing from early January through to the Spring Concert in April and from early September through the autumn for the Christmas Concert in early December. Apart from occasional meetings of the Committee, the Society does not meet over the festive season or through the summer.
Rehearsals are Monday nights 7 p.m. to just after 9 p.m., with a short break in the middle. Until the lockdown in March 2020, rehearsals were usually held in the session room at the west end of St. Mungo’s Parish Church, Bedford Place, Alloa, unless it was in session, when we used the front pews of the church proper. Our main performances were always Saturday nights at 7:30 in the same church, with a final rehearsal that morning 10:30 to about 1 p.m. as needed. The choir is still grateful to the Kirk Session of St. Mungo’s for permission to use the facilities for over two decades. It was with great sadness and affection that we mourned the passing in January 2017 of the former Beadle, John Syme, whose generous assistance given to the Society over many years we remember with heartfelt gratitude. As we resumed our activities after a long recess in September 2022, we have arranged the use of Tillicoultry Church Hall (behind the church), 17 Dollar Road, FK13 6PD, where it is also planned to hold our performances, though these have been in the church proper.
Most years pre-pandemic saw at least one additional performance, whether as guests with other ensembles (such as Clackmannan Area Brass Band Christmas 2010), co-productions (such as with the Alman Dramatic Club, A Burns Celebration in Spring 2009), invitation performances (such as in St. Mungo’s October 2009 for Homecoming Year, various performances in Clackmannan Church and for Sauchie and Coalsnaughton Session AGM), charity performances (such as in aid of victims of the Boxing Day Tsunami 2004 in Clackmannan Church, early 2005) and even outdoor carol singing at the invitation of Tillicoultry Outlet Village December 2003!
The Society’s AGM is typically held during the first half of the fourth (or so) rehearsal in the autumn season. After presentation, discussion and adoption of the minutes of the previous AGM, the president and the Music Director each delivers an annual report and the treasurer presents an audited statement of accounts. Then the committee office bearers are appointed: chairperson, secretary, treasurer, librarian and publicity officer. In 2023, a new office, that of Admin Support, was added to assist with matters such as GDPR compliance. In addition, each of the vocal sections: sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, appoints a representative to the committee (which can be the holder of another office). Usually appointments are made by unopposed election, following voluntary nomination of a single candidate and indeed most appointments are in fact reappointments of a serving incumbent.
The repertoire of the choir is very varied and extends over seven centuries (from the 15th to the 21st) and all genres from renaissance, through baroque, classical and romantic to folk, traditional, jazz, and pop. Our programmes feature sacred and secular; opera, musicals and film music; old favourites as well as music from living composers.
The annual membership subscription is £60, typically paid in two instalments of £30, one in September and one in January. Members joining mid-term are not normally asked for subscriptions until the next due date, though some elect to pay anyway. Currently, membership dues and concert receipts are the only income for the choir and both are essential for its financial solvency. Members are also asked to assist with ticket sales and publicity (posters are provided).
The Society always welcomes new members. There is no audition. Just come along to a rehearsal. If you feel you would enjoy making music with others, then give it a try! Many of our current members did just that and never looked back.
ClacksChoral perform "Ring the Bells" by Paul Fincham 18/11/2019:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9fdaDBJcgI
ClacksChoral perform "Heaven Bound", arr. Stephanie Taylor & Patti Drennan 6/6/2024:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=835220831885990&ref=sharing
ClacksChoral perform Howard Goodall's 'The Lord is My Shepherd' 6/6/2024:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=475263871701486&ref=sharing
ClacksChoral perform 'The Music of MGM', arr. Greg Gilpin 6/6/2024:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1154231899220236&ref=sharing