PEACE OUT LOUD

Singing for Peace and Protest

The devil definitely doesn’t have all the best tunes! Join us for an afternoon of inspiring singing, ranging across time (from Mozart to the Christmas hit ‘Wherever You Are’) and space (from South Africa to Norway). You don’t have to read music – Leonora Davies, who is leading the session, will guide us through simple and more complex call and response and four part harmony singing.

Singing is good for the body, mind and soul. I was drawn to a singing workshop 6 years ago and I turned up not knowing anyone. What a great day! The songs were accessible and easy to learn, including the harmonies which then brought us together into a group which could really make music together. Leonora is an excellent leader – she is not quite Gareth Malone, but like him, she is very good at drawing out the best from you even when you are a timid singer. And her daughter Elena provided wonderful clarinet accompaniments. The same day I was introduced to Peace Direct, a charity I knew nothing about, despite it having just won an annual award for the best new British Charity. I went away with a desire to learn more about its work. It is now a charity I choose to support on a regular basis and am keen to spread the word. I recently asked for donations to Peace Direct in lieu of birthday presents for my 60th raising some money as well as many friends’ awareness of Peace Direct. – Mary Eckert

Date: Saturday 10 March 2012
Time: 2pm – 5pm with a performance for friends and relatives at 4.30pm
Place: Hampstead Quaker Meeting House, 120 Heath Street, NW3 1DR
Cost: £10 adult, £5 11-16 and audience, on the door. Includes tea with home-made cakes – in aid of Peace Direct

To book a place: Please email clio@peacedirect.org to secure a place. Booking in advance will ensure that we have enough music for everyone!

About Leonora Davies MBE

Leonora Davies has taught at both primary and secondary schools, and was Inspector of Music and Music Services for Haringey. She was Chair of the National Association of Music Educators and the Music Education Council, and a member of the Music Manifesto Steering Group. She is a mentor for the Regional and National Festivals for Music for Youth and a Vocal Force advisor for Sing Up. Recently she made a guest appearance in the BBC series ‘The Choir’ with Gareth Malone.