About USV
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Rita Leighton (Tenor II)
USV is a real boost in the middle of the week. A good old sing, with no messing about fussing with note-bashing, except on very rare occasions when there's something extra tricky and we need some help. It does me the world of good, and Harvey's arrangements of brilliant songs are all so brilliant in their own right that they lift your spirits sky high!
I joined USV choir when I retired in 2018, having not sung or studied music since I was at school. Initially I was a little anxious at the thought of performing in public, but Harvey was really encouraging and helpful, and the sound aids he provides are so helpful. I discovered to my joy that on the night of the show Harvey was accompanied by professional musicians whose voices led us along. Each show Harvey always involves professional musicians which makes the whole event a really special experience to be a part of. I’m now rehearsing for my 8th show and it has been such a privilege to sing alongside such accomplished musicians. Harvey always chooses an eclectic range of music including the Beatles, Brazilian Resistance songs, and my favourite, The story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. You don’t need to be an accomplished singer, or read music, but I have found that the more I practice on my own between rehearsals, the more I enjoy it. Thanks Harvey!
With no background in music, playing an instrument or singing in a choir, I repeatedly resisted the efforts of a friend to join her in USV. With some trepidation, I joined a year ago and haven't looked back! In July, I was part of the combined choirs of USV and Harvey's Vox Holloway London choir performing a compilation of two of The Kinks' seminal albums at Alexandra Palace, in front of Sir Ray Davies himself. Unbelievable!
Harvey Brough is an extremely talented musician. He is charismatic, using his humour, knowledge and enthusiasm to bring out the best in the choir. His positivity is infectious, encouraging the choir's self-belief to reach his exacting standards.
Even with the aim of producing a concert in mind, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. We have fun! I can't think of many better ways to spend Wednesday lunchtime than in rehearsal with this humble, self-deprecating man. Thank you.
I have been singing with USV for a while and have always been pleased for the excuse to leave the office on a Wednesday lunchtime to escape to 40 minutes of something completely different. The music varies for each concert providing a different sort of challenge and the greatest surprise is the concert performance; how it all comes together never ceases to surprise and delight.
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Hazel Marks (Tenor I)Why do I enjoy USV?
The eclecticism of the music, from Nina Simone to Elgar, The Beatles to Hoagy Carmichael. The broad music choices are very important because we mostly explore non-typical choral works. I like that as it broadens my appreciation of music and sets challenges that I would not necessarily explore in other choirs.
I like the easy-going attitude of the choir members. This is a non- élitist choir. But in performance, we always step up, trying to do our best for Harvey.
And, it’s all down to Harvey. He’s not only an amazingly gifted musician, composer and arranger but also an effective teacher. He encourages you and communicates his passion for the music, wanting to include you, not exclude you.
I started working at the University in 2020, a few days after lockdown started! I have always enjoyed singing and in my younger years I was in a few choirs but as life got busy with work and family time got the better of me, so, I was delighted when I found out about USV and it was even better when I found out that rehearsals where in the lunch hour and that it is a community choir without any scary auditions. Now Wednesday rehearsal is my mid-week fresh breath of air, it is my time, it helps my mental health. I hugely enjoy the process of learning the eclectic collection of music and hearing how together we moved from something that sounds questionable to wonderful. It really is all down to team effort and learning together, do come and join us, we are sure to make you feel welcome.
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