Knowless (2024-25)
CASTLE VOICES
Castle Voices is a community choir based in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, founded by Andy Young and myself. The choir was created with a simple idea in mind: to build a singing community that is welcoming, relaxed, and enjoyable, while still maintaining musical standards and artistic quality.
Many people are interested in singing but feel unsure about joining a choir because they worry about auditions, reading music, or keeping up with experienced singers. Castle Voices aims to remove these barriers. The choir provides a friendly and supportive environment where singers of different backgrounds can come together, learn music, and experience the joy of collective singing.
At the same time, the choir also believes that community music can aspire to high standards. Rehearsals focus on listening, musical understanding, and vocal technique, allowing singers to develop their confidence and musicianship over time. The goal is to create a choir that is both relaxed in spirit and thoughtful in its musical work.
Community at Heart
Since its founding, Castle Voices has grown into an active musical group in the local community. Over the past three years, the choir has organised and participated in a range of events including concerts, workshops, and community performances.
One of the highlights of the choir’s activities has been its public concerts, where singers present a diverse repertoire that ranges from contemporary choral works to folk-inspired music. These performances provide an opportunity for the choir to share its work with the wider community and to celebrate the progress made by the singers.
In addition to concerts, Castle Voices has hosted training workshops and open rehearsals designed to support the development of both choir members and the wider public. These sessions explore topics such as vocal technique, solfège, rhythm, and listening skills, helping singers gain a deeper understanding of music-making.
Learning & Growth
Beyond performances, Castle Voices places strong emphasis on learning and growth. Rehearsals are structured not only to prepare repertoire but also to build musical awareness. Through regular practice, singers develop stronger listening skills, ensemble awareness, and confidence in their voices.
Looking ahead, the vision for Castle Voices remains the same as when it began: to nurture a choir where people can sing together, grow musically, and enjoy the shared experience of making music.
By balancing a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with thoughtful musical development, Castle Voices continues to build a community where singing becomes both a creative practice and a social connection.