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He had an idea to see what interest there might be in forming a men’s Barbershop harmony chorus. That was 30 years ago in the Autumn of 1991. Roy Hann (Founder and Honorary Life President) could never imagine what he had started when 12 men turned up at the Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge all those years ago. Fast forward 30 years and looking back with pride at the achievements of the Kingsmen, he has decided to hand over the role of Musical Director to assistant MD,Gary Rowe.
‘It’s truly wonderful and a great achievement to members past and present that the Club is still going after all these years,’ said Roy, ‘But we’re in really good shape. We kept up with rehearsals during the lockdowns and we’re getting ready for probably our busiest Christmas ever and looking forward to 2022 – which kicks off with a free 6 week ‘Learn to Sing in Harmony Course’ in January’.
New Musical Director, Gary Rowe with Roy Hann at the recent Kingsmen 30 year anniversary celebrations at the Thurlestone Hotel.
Gary has been singing with the Kingsmen for the last 16 years and has been its Assistant Musical Director for the past 8 years. So the Chorus is in ‘another pair of good hands’ going forward and the handover from Roy to Gary has been taking place now for some months.
At a handover at rehearsals at the South Hams Christian Fellowship Chapel in Fore Street on Wednesday, chairman Stuart Newberry reflected on Roy’s vision and commitment over those 30 years and thanked him for the enormous part he has played in bringing so much joy to the 150 or so men who have sung with the chorus over the years. ‘The Kingsmen is much more than about singing. It’s about friendship. It’s about family. It’s about connection, where a group of men join together, being sensitive to each other as we sing in harmony. It’s a lesson for life, really’, said Stuart.
In welcoming Gary, Stuart congratulated him on his appointment and promised that the chorus would work with him to ensure the Kingsmen continue as before, to entertain and bring enjoyment to so many people through singing.
Gary is looking forward to his new role. ‘'Wow, it is a huge honour to be the Kingsmen's new Musical Director. I am excited about the future and hope to share our music and friendship with as many people as possible, also supporting local charities and bringing hope and joy to all.’
You can see the Kingsmen at The Watermark in Ivybridge on Friday 10th December at 7pm. Tickets are available via the Watermark Box Office 01752 892220 or by clicking here
If you’d like to know more about our free ‘Learn to Sing in Harmony’ course then check our website for further information.
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