STOKESLEY Methodist Church opened its doors to musicians of all genres who were participating in the Stokesley SongFest from February 15-17. They were there to hold workshops or to perform in celebration of Teesside Music Society’s 75 years, and the 20th anniversary of Sounds Fun, a music class for children, run by Julia Haigh, who is the inspiration behind the festival.

The aim was to make all kinds of music accessible to everyone, and everyone was united in making the classes enjoyable, the aim to experience and learn through having fun.

Proceedings started on the Friday night with a Ceilidh, expertly delivered by popular local band, Over the Yardarm.

During the day, classes were delivered in three different spaces in the church, some of which were devoted to children. Julia Haigh and daughter, Naomi, ran singing games and music classes for the very young up to adult, allowing parents and children to participate together. Gemma Elysee, music therapist, delivered a presentation for parents of children with special needs that showed how children were stimulated by and responded to music, which often changed their behavioural patterns, and allowed them to have a voice in a safe space.

Music from the Renaissance in the form of madrigals began the daytime workshops, followed by Making Opera in an Hour, run by opera singers Emily Smith and David Pisarro who led an enthusiastic group in a mini production of Carmen.

“That was great fun and so energising,” said Sue Park, one of the participants.” For me it made opera accessible and encouraged us all to get out of our comfort zone and try something new.”

The Community Singing, also run by Emily Smith, introduced participants to music from all around the world, including an Aborigine Welcome song and a Finnish Reindeer Herding song. Emily works with asylum seekers and refugees and shares their music with her classes.

Saturday night’s performance was by Scottish musician and songwriter, Yvonne Lyon, who writes songs inspired by family, Scotland, and as therapy for herself. She also played five different musical instruments. She sees music as restoring and challenging. Her audience were enthusiastic and she had two curtain calls. Funds from the concert went to Jessie’s Place, a charity that supports music therapy in hospices for children.

Sunday began with a Come and Sing Hymns Service in the church with 150 voices singing Charles Wesley’s hymns, while Mimi O’Malley of Mimi Maestros entertained little ones with her music class. Later, musician Jeremy Harbottle ran his Come and Sing Musicals, through 70 years, to a class bursting at the seams, and it overran by 30 minutes as people were enjoying themselves so much. “It was chaotic, mad and so much fun,” he said.

Apollo5, a vocal ensemble from London, took the final class, and performed the final concert. A large crowd participated in professional warm-ups, and breathing awareness, culminating in the privilege of singing with them, as a chorus, in three songs. “We do concerts, performances and education projects,” said Graham, a member of the group. "It’s great to work with such a wide age range today. Music is certainly alive and well in this area.”

Frank Harrison, chair of Teesside Music Society was delighted with the success of the weekend.

“The SongFest has brought people together and enriched the community,” he said. “I think it has stripped the barriers away and the feedback from both teachers and participants is that this has been, without exception, a joyful experience for all. I would like to thank the committee, the Methodist church, those who have run and participated in classes, The Postlethwaite Music Foundation, and to Julia Haigh whose vision this was.”

Jan Hunter