My earliest memories are singing to a field of daffodils in the field behind the house where I lived with my parents and brother. Someone must have heard me and suggested I join the church choir because I became a member of the Sunday School. Although only a small mission hut, there was an active social life and plays and concerts and church services were an important part of worship. Church anniversaries were always very well supported and I was often asked to sing solos or join with groups of singers.
School also played an important part of my musical journey with Singing Together being my favourite subject. I can still remember the words and tunes to many of the folksongs we learned. I was often asked to sing a solo part, probably because I sang louder and more enthusiastically than the other children.
In my teenage years I continued my musical journey and joined a youth group, again concerts and musical events were important. I was invited to join the Derbyshire Youth Choir. This was a wonderful musical experience, with many very enjoyable musical weekends and Summer Schools spent in Buxton with like-minded young people. Oh, happy days!
I left the midlands in the early sixties and went to Training College in Devon. My musical journey continued and I joined the St Luke’s College Choir in Exeter. We performed a number of Choral works. My main recollection of my time in Devon was forming a madrigal group and singing a solo in a church service to welcome the Arch Bishop Of Canterbury. More happy days!
I returned to Derby in about 1963 when I married Ken and had two children. When the children were at school, I decided to continue my musical journey and began to have singing lessons with Connie Williams who was an inspirational teacher encouraging me to perform regularly at Derby Music Club. She also encouraged me to enter several music festivals, many successfully. I was asked also to sing a solo for the Arch Bishop of Canterbury when he came to Derby Cathedral.
About this time, I joined the Derbyshire Light Opera Company and continued to be an active and committed member until the Society ended after several years. Happy times along my musical journey. One memorable story. I always wanted to have a lead role and was thrilled to be given the role of the Duchess in one operetta. The duchess appeared for a short time at the beginning of Act 1 and then, went on holiday, until the end of Act three. I spent the majority of the show in the bar or the dressing room, I decided it was more fun being in the back row of the chorus!
My final musical journey was joining Rolleston Choral Society. Where I still am. I have enjoyed many wonderful musical experiences, made good friends whose support I have valued over the years and long may it continue.
I do owe my musical journey to those daffodils.
Jo