Far Cry Acapella (Huddersfield)

Far Cry is a mixed acapella group that has been meeting for 3 years. This is not a professional group but we aim for the highest standards possible. We meet under the guidance of Musical Director Jenny Goodman on Thursday evenings 7.30 to 9.30pm at The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen St, Huddersfield HD1 2SP. Term dates for 2018/19 are: 27th September to 13th Dec (no session1st Nov, 24th Jan to 4th April (no session 21st Feb) and 1st May to 18th July (no session 30th May & 13th June). We aim to perform each term in some form – we’ve performed at Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival, Holmfirth Arts Festival, Hebden Bridge Arts Festival, Huddersfield University and various fundraisers as well as our own gigs. There is no obligation to sing at EVERY gig and members are expected to be able to be flexible around parts.

Our material falls into 3 main categories - world music/roots - this can be Bulgarian, African, Georgian, British folk: political (although we are not a political choir the group shares a interest in social justice and equality and some of our songs reflect that): popular/original - we like a good pop arrangement and also sing songs and arrangements by contemporary acapella group composers including Jenny. We now have a core repertoire which we will add to - practice tracks and repertoire catch up sessions are available.

We operate within the learning and teaching philosophy of The Natural Voice Practitioners Network which Jenny is a founder member of - this means we learn our material orally and do not use sheet music - so there is no need to be able to read music and there is a strong emphasis on listening and tuning in. We are expected to learn words and parts by heart so we can perform without paper (tho there are sometimes little prompt cards hidden in people's hands!). There is also a strong emphasis on working on our voices - warming up properly with technical exercises to develop the voices, tuning exercises - we also sometimes work on improvisation.

The group has lots of energy and is friendly and welcoming and there is much laughter and fun alongside the hard work. Here’s some quotes from existing members:

“It’s like singing with your best mates. And the songs are all brilliant – plenty of variety, with songs from all over the world, which keeps it interesting. Plus an inspirational teacher – what more could you want?”

“I just love harmonies, and some of the harmonies that we do are really moving. It's great listening to the women sing, but when our bass voices are included, it adds that bit extra”

“I have gained confidence in my voice by being in a small supportive group. After the warm up at the beginning of the session I find that my voice is clearer and my vocal range is larger.”

The group costs £85 per term but concession places are available by negotiation with Jenny and you can pay the fees in half term blocks if that is easier (i.e. £42.50 per half term)

Contact Jenny for more information on singing.jennyg@googlemail.com or 07984 584923