'noaddedsugar' is a mixed voice ensemble comprising pupils and staff from Teesdale School and community members from Barnard Castle. We meet every Tuesday after school (first session 3:40pm - 5:00pm, second session 5:00pm - 6:00pm) and perform a wide range of music, mostly a cappella. The group has already performed at The Bowes Museum, the Witham Hall,Teesdale School itself, the Methodist Church, Barnard Castle and also the Scarth Hall, Staindrop.
During July 2011, we were delighted to be asked to provide the chorus for two major InterOpera events, forming part of the Durham international Brass Festival. Conducted by Alistair Dawes, we performed alongside soloists Penelope Randall-Davis (soprano) and Roderick Earle (Baritione) together with the NASUWT Riverside band. Two glittering concerts included operatic highlights, from La Traviata, Il Trovatore, Carmen, Nabucco and Rigoletto. The chorus worked very hard indeed, but the final result was well worth the effort!
COMMUNITY CHOIR
I was very pleased to be invited in 2009 by Teesdale School's Extended services team to offer 'noaddedsugar' as an extended services event, which has become increasingly popular. Parents, friends and other members of the public now come into school from 5pm until 6pm following the main choir rehearsal for a separate session, working through the same repertoire. This initiative is specifically aimed at inexperienced singers who just want to 'have a go!' The 2 groups come together for performances and now produce a high standard of singing with clear enjoyment by all!
