Our 10th Anniversary Christmas Concert was held on Friday, December 15th 2023 at 7.30pm at Mid-Deeside Church Torphins!  

I joined the choir after hearing them perform at the local gala a few Summers ago. They were singing Elton John’s "Your Song" which is a favourite of mine. I just had to join.

Singing in the choir simply makes me feel fabulous. It clears my mind, and makes me smile to hear all our voices coming together in harmony to make such fantastic sound.

Before joining the choir I didn’t feel musical but now I’ve gained the confidence to start learning a musical instrument!

I joined the choir in 2014 I have always enjoyed singing and thanks to the choir it has added another dimension to my life. I stand in when Janet, our Treasurer, is off on her travels!

I spent my childhood in Stonehaven and after living in Warrington we moved to Torphins 40+ years ago.

I worked as a Legal Secretary in Banchory and when my family were involved in the "horsey world" I was on the Committee of the Deeside Pony Club for over 25 years. Many of you may know me now as the voice on the telephone at Torphins Medical Practice where I am the Administrator/Receptionist.

I joined Notes from Torphins on the very first day it began and shortly after became treasurer. 

My taste in music is very wide, I love attending live music events whether it be concerts, theatre, festivals or open mic down the pub. 

Having a choir to attend on my door step is great and gives the added benefit of some exercise walking to and fro' each week!

Being treasurer of our choir gives me the pleasure of transferring donations from the money raised at our concerts, to our chosen charities twice a year. Seeing the generosity of our choir members and wider community is always a very heartwarming time.

I officially took over the role of Musical Director in 2015 after sharing the role during 2014.

I work as a secondary school music teacher and have many years of experience in music education. I have conducted and performed in various choirs, bands and orchestras, and feel very lucky to work with such a great choir as Notes.

My focus for the choir is creating a positive, relaxed atmosphere allowing all members to feel valued and included. (And planning rehearsals to factor in time for tea and cake.) The repertoire we choose for choir is intentionally different to more traditional choirs. As a fan of show tunes and power ballads, it’s a perfect fit for me.

Away from choir, I have two lovely children, a supportive husband (without whom I wouldn’t manage to go to choir!) and a fun-seeking dog. My perfect day is with them, down by the beautiful River Dee.

Songs We Want To Sing!

Is there a song we haven't sung that you'd love us to try? Have you seen a choir performing a particular piece that you think we'd enjoy and could add to our repertoire?

Here's a chance to share with each other the "Songs We'd Love To Sing" (or try singing!)

Becoming  a Member of Notes From Torphins

If you're interested in becoming a member, please inquire first, using the form on this page. We're not currently taking new members, but at the start of each term, we welcome new members from our list as numbers allow.

Joining Dates - January and August

We have two terms beginning in January and August. These are the times when we “start over” with new music, so we are literally all on the same page. 

We welcome folk from all walks of life and all musical abilities. Being able to read music is not essential; if you are between secondary school age to as old as you can think and you fancy joining us, you can come along. No audition is necessary, but if you’re not sure where you might fit in, Sara, our Musical Director, will be happy to help you find your voice.

When We Meet

We meet on Wednesday evenings during school term time at 7.30pm and we sing until 9pm with a break at around 8.15pm. As we generally stand it's best to wear comfortable shoes; but there are no rules on this count and you can take a seat if you'd rather!

Where We Meet

We meet at Mid-Deeside Church, Torphins in one of their beautiful modern spaces. It's perfect for us and it's warm and welcoming too. 

Payments

The first session is completely free; thereafter, if you decide you want to join the fee is £8 a month or £96 annually. We spread the cost over the whole year to make it easier for members to manage. The fee is payable by standing order. This includes all your music and cake (cake is very important to us!) and pays for our lovely venue. Social events are also a big part of our ethos, and we try to organise a couple of these each year, such as visits to the theatre (most recently to see Mamma Mia and Sunshine on Leith) and social nights. In February 2018, we celebrated our 5th birthday with a Pot Luck supper and Karaoke night! A perfect way for a choir to celebrate!

Hi! The story of how I formed the choir is now well oversold, so no more on that. I have lived in Aberdeenshire for over 20 years now having met my lovely (tone deaf!) husband at University. Originally from the central belt, I now think of myself as a north-east quine, although I am known to slip back into the Glaswegian vernacular when in the company of a fellow “Weegie”!

I am the lucky Mum of two beautiful daughters, Clodagh and Bronia. Clodagh has supported both our Musical Directors for the last few years, and although a very reluctant performer, is a talented pianist and clarinet player. Bronia has ventured down many musical alleyways - piano, recorder, guitar, ukele, trumpet, but is yet to find her “vibe”. My husband Marty…well, the less said there with regards to music, the better! As a child, I started to learn piano and am determined to play again when time allows. I played brass through my teens and twenties, following in the footsteps of my Dad, playing baritone then euphonium in the school band and various local brass bands. I sang mezzo in the school choir and spent my free time in the music department.

My early career was in Human Resources but I changed to Early Years Education after having the girls, working with children aged between 3 and 5, trying to encourage musical interest whenever I can. Notes from Torphins is amongst my proudest achievements. Never did I expect in those tentative early days that we would become the 65-strong mixed voice, happy, powerful group we are today, and this has come about thanks to the enthusiasm and support of our members, family and friends.

When I’m not thinking choir, which isn't very often, I like to spend my time with my family walking and cycling. Sewing and other crafts play a large part in my life, and having found it hard since becoming a Mum to find time to read, I have recently discovered the joys of audiobooks and highly recommend them to everyone!