Local choral group raises money for local charities
It’s been a busy time recently for local choral group Athlone A Cappella with a plethora of events prior to Christmas, which raised over €800 for several local charities.
The group was delighted to have been asked to participate in the 31st Samaritan concert in the Friary Church in Athlone in December, which was a great success for all those involved.
Athlone A Cappella (AAC) was set up in 2012 by David Farmer and had just four singers at the time! Now that number has risen to 42.
AAC is a close harmony barbershop group. In the Barber shop tradition - the emphasis is on close, carefully arranged harmony. A Cappella music is a performance by a singer or choir without instruments.
Back in 2019, Athlone A Cappella won gold at The Irish Association of Barbershop singers (IABS) convention under the directorship of David Farmer, and recently won silver in the 2023 competition under the new directorship of Hilary Roche after several years away from competition due to Covid-19.
AAC enjoys competing at such highly esteemed competitions as the IABS convention - with the chance to compete against and meet other like-minded choirs from other countries.
However, some of the most enjoyable singing events that AAC participate in are ones which take place in the local community. AAC recently had the pleasure of singing for the residents of Sonas Nursing Home – a visit which was enjoyed by all!
Shortly after, AAC sang in both shopping centres in Athlone to raise money for local worthy causes.
A carol service was held in Athlone Towncentre in aid of Athlone Rotary Club’s Tree of Remembrance campaign which was collecting funds this year for The Samaritans and The Simon Community - which raised €350. A further carol service was held in Goldenisland in aid of the Irish Cancer society, and thanks to the generosity of the people of Athlone and the surrounding areas – raised the sum of €540.46.
AAC would be interested in recruiting new members with an interest and aptitude for singing, so if you are interested, please contact athloneacappella@outlook.com or send a message directly on the Athlone A Cappella Facebook page.