Calling all volunteer singers: Griffin Health's Valley Soul holiday concert is back

Angela Clemmons

DERBY - Griffin Health is seeking singers of all skill levels to help bring back some live holiday “soul” to the Naugatuck Valley this winter.

After a series of virtual concerts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Griffin is once again assembling a gospel choir of volunteer singers from throughout the Valley under the direction of Angela Clemmons, a chart-topping vocalist who has captivated audiences for more than 35 years.

She is 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 six, 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 on 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 six short weeks, particularly when many have never sung gospel before.”

The training sessions will be Sept. 13 and 20, Oct. 11 and 25, Nov. 15 and Dec. 6 from 6:45-8:45 p.m. The location for the practices is to be determined. 

Although the workshop is primarily for adults, youth who are able to follow a lyric sheet are welcome to participate.

Sign up online at griffinhealth.org/valley-soul. The registration fee is $30 per singer. For more information, contact Lisa Nista at 203-732-7384 or lnista@griffinhealth.org.

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.

About Angela Clemmons

Soul in the Valley Director Angela Clemmons has been a professional singer for over 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 US 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.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.