The above newspaper article describes well how the Ellenvale Singers started in 1976 at the request of a group of Gornal ladies.  It was lead by a local choirmaster, John F Jones of St James church and was originally known as the John Franklin Singers.  On his departure in 1980, the choir changed its name to the Ellenvale SIngers taking inspiration from the medieval name for Cotwall End in Sedgley.

 

 

Over the following forty plus years the choir has established a tradition of performing May and Christmas concerts, usually at Brierley Hill Civic Hall.  Support acts for these concerts have been brass and jazz bands, local comedians, such as, Tommy Mundon and Aynuk and Ali, male voice choirs, school choirs, soloists and, on occasions, comedy pieces by groups of choir ladies .  These events have raised many thousands of pounds over the years for a variety of local causes which benefit charities, organisations and local individuals.  The choir also enjoy performing smaller concerts in churches, nursing homes, community centres and private parties, and may be hired for concerts, functions and weddings.

 

 

The choir enjoys singing a wide range of music from all musical era and members are encouraged to be involved in the selection of new pieces.  The range includes songs from the shows, chart songs, spiritual pieces, contemporary standards as well as classical choral pieces.

 

 

Under the direction of an experienced musical director and accompanist, the choir rehearse weekly 7:30 to 9:30 on Wednesdays.  The choir is a three part female voice choir:  soprano, second soprano and contralto voices.

David Richards is the current musical director of the Ellenvale Singers and the accompanist is Karen Moore.

Over the years there have been a number of different musical directors and accompanists.  Photos and example concert programmes showing  these can be found in the GALLERY page of this website.