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| Singer Angela Clemmons |
DERBY - Griffin Hospital is seeking singers of all skill levels to help bring a little holiday “soul” to the Naugatuck Valley this winter.
Coming off the success of last year’s Valley Soul Holiday Concert, Griffin Hospital is once again assembling a gospel choir of volunteer singers from throughout the Valley under the direction of Angela Clemmons, a professional singer for more than 35 years and director of the acclaimed “Shoreline Soul” performances in Madison.
In addition to providing an inspiring and uplifting performance, the Valley Soul choir aims to bring together individuals from churches and organizations throughout the area to help build and strengthen partnerships that will improve the health of the region.
The volunteer singers will take part in five, two-hour workshops, culminating in a hand-clapping, foot-stomping, this-couldn’t-possibly-be-Naugatuck-Valley concert of traditional and contemporary gospel and holiday music Dec. 12.
“Our weekly sessions are upbeat, fun, and very user-friendly,” Clemmons said.
“No one needs to know how to read music. All songs are taught by ear and everyone is given a practice CD. It’s amazing how much the choir learns and how confident they become in five short weeks, particularly when many have never sung gospel before.”
The training sessions will be Oct. 24, Nov. 7, 14, and 28, and Dec. 5 from 6:45-8:45 p.m. at Assumption Church in Ansonia.
To register or for more information, contact Clemmons at 203-619-1415 or shorelinesoul@comcast.net.
Although the workshop is primarily for adults, youth who are able to follow a lyric sheet are welcome to participate.
Griffin’s Annual Holiday Concert is sponsored by the President’s Fund at Griffin Hospital as a thank you to Griffin’s sponsors and the community, and as a celebration of Griffin’s family of employees, medical staff, volunteers, corporators, and trustees for their dedication, compassion, and expertise.
Donations for TEAM, Inc. will also be accepted at the concert.
About TEAM Inc.
As a provider of services that address the needs of the very young to the very old, and its focus on coordinating with other area services to provide the greatest levels of service, TEAM is seen as perfect beneficiary of the community choir project.
TEAM programs reach over 14,000 individuals each year through programs that offer assistance for education and youth, elderly assistance, home heating assistance, housing assistance, financial assistance, and support community and neighborhood needs.
About Angela Clemmons
Soul in the Valley Director Angela Clemmons has been a professional singer for more than 35 years.
As a background singer, she worked with Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Celine Dion, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Elton John, among many others. Her voice could be heard on TV and radio jingles for Burger King, Canada Dry Ginger Ale, Coke, KFC, Slim Fast and many more. She did two albums for CBS Records, which included the #4 disco hit “Give Me Just A Little More Time."
Angela spent 2013 touring with the Rascals (“It’s a Beautiful Morning,” “Groovin’”) as part of the “Rascals: Once Upon A Dream” show, performing on Broadway and theaters all over the U.S. and Canada.
TV appearances include The View, The Tony Awards, Saturday Night Live, and others. Angela, mother of two, resides in Westbrook with her husband.
Professional singer and choir director Angela Clemmons will lead a volunteer community gospel choir for Griffin Hospital’s Valley Soul Holiday Concert this December.
Singers of all skill levels are invited to join.
This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.
