New year – new hobby? Come along and try us out!
New term starts Thursday 8th January.
Catch up on the songs we are currently learning by visiting the Current Music page.
Modbury Gospel Singers caters to all ages, vocal ranges and abilities, with no requirement to be able to read music and no audition necessary. We usually sing in four parts – soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
New members will always be warmly welcomed into the group, in particular, we are currently very much in need of those in the tenor and bass vocal range. Try before you buy – you can join us for two free trial sessions!
Our songs usually have a link to gospel music – the spiritual songs of enslaved people – but we encompass quite a variety, including music which has derived from gospel and on which gospel is based.
We hold a handful of performances per year, which have been superbly supported by the wonderful people of Modbury and beyond, helping us to raise money for charities such as the Kingsbridge Foodbank and towards the May Fair Fund.
We meet on Thursdays in term-time at the MARS Pavillion.
Tea, coffee and chat from 7pm, and singing 7:30pm until 9:30pm with a short break midway.
The cost is £60 per term (autumn, spring, summer), to be paid in advance (BACS preferred)
The Spring term runs from Thursday 8th January 2025 – 26th March with a one week break at half term (19th February).
Summer term 16th April – 18th June with half-term break 28th May.
Concert – May Fair, 7th May.
Autumn term starts 24th September 2026.
Workshop with Sandra Smith – 26th September 2026, MARS Hall.
For a flavour of what we do, check out the website blog or our Facebook page.
If you would like any further information, or if you’re a potential new member and would like a friendly face to meet you at the door then do let us know using the “contact us” form!
Our History
The Modbury Gospel Singers was established in 2002 by the late Gill Miller-Williams, to enable singers of all abilities to enjoy the power of song in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Leadership was passed on to Jo Highley in 2013, and after over 12 years as Musical Director, Jo passed the reins on to Freya Harbottle, who also currently leads Wild Goose Choir, a mixed-voice, folk-based community choir based in South Brent.
Freya has studied voice both at undergraduate and postgraduate level and works as a professional folk musician in the duo Harbottle and Jonas. She has written and recorded several albums, toured extensively (both nationally and internationally) and has led courses at Dartington International Summer School for two consecutive years, including running the Folk Choir.
Freya – “I am very excited to be taking on the leadership role for Modbury Gospel Singers and really look forward to getting started in September. After watching the choir perform recently, it will be lovely to continue to sing material that the singers know so well and perform with such enthusiasm. Alongside this, I plan to introduce some new gospel songs to the repertoire and mix in the odd blues/folk/gospel crossover song to bring a slight variation and perhaps a different way of singing together. I look forward to being able to share my knowledge and skill set with others, to help engage people with the benefits and joy that singing can bring”.