Community arts

‘the class’ : A singing group which began life in September 2009. Its members performed (many for the first time) in a scratch community choir, in a professional stage music/theatre production of Class and Corruption at The School Creative Centre in Rye in June 2009. A core body of that choir felt strongly that they wanted to continue singing together. John Cornford (the MD) had led them for the best part of a year & had managed to inspire everyone sufficiently to give 11 public performances! (Some people actually said the choir stole the show!) John was asked if he would be able & willing to continue to lead us in Hastings on a weekly basis, and said yes. ‘the class’ has since welcomed new members. We are fortunate enough to have secured The Unitarian Church as our regular rehearsal place – it is one of the best small venues in Hastings with a very good acoustic and we give approximately three concerts there each year. We create a party atmosphere for our audience with refreshments provided – a charity is nominated and we ask for donations. We welcome new members experienced or not. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for anyone to sing. Confidence is gained because the size of the group is such that each individual is heard. There are currently 20–23 members. The choir is run by its members and is managed very successfully without the formality of a committee. We meet weekly on Wednesdays: 7.30–9.30pm Venue address: The Unitarian Church South Terrace (behind Marks & Spencer) Hastings Our next performance will be on Sunday 11 September during the opening weekend of this year’s Rye Festival. It is expected that we will fill two slots: 12.30 and 2.30 pm at ‘Art on the Strand’, the Strand, Rye