TARGET is a not-for-profit theatre initiative based in South Wales, that works to encourage individuals to get involved in the performing arts through classes, workshops and projects. We offer innovative and exciting arts projects for participants, usually in association with a local or national charity.
Over the last few years, we have run a number of projects for various charities including Tenovus cancer charity and Cancer Research; we are currently working with the Sparkle Appeal, a local charity that runs a centre to cater for 1200 children in S Wales, with complex disabilities. TARGET activities are open to anyone, regardless of(dis)ability, gender, sexual orientation etc. and we have a complete ‘open access’ policy. The performing arts, unlike any other field, crosses all boundaries in a non-intrusive manner, and anyone, from the most gifted performer, to someone who only sings in the shower, can take part in performance.
Based on the model of the successful community choir Cor Casnewydd in Newport, TARGET launched Familia in Ebbw Vale this week. As the only all-inclusive choir in Wales for families with a love of singing, the choir is open to everyone and is completely non-selective, with no audition to join and no experience necessary.
The choir is the very first of its kind, designed specifically with family in mind; the organisers hope that this exciting opportunity will encourage parents, children, grandparents, uncles and aunts to come together with their loved ones and community to make music and new friends. The modern choir phenomenon is sweeping across the UK with more and more people taking up the challenges and joys of singing. Many family choirs, however, are still restricted to the church ‘family’ or to a single family of performers. Familia is the first opportunity that singers will have to come along with their next of kin and rehearse and perform together with other like-minded families.
Tuition takes place on Sunday afternoons during term time, in the Main Hall of All Saints Church Ebbw Vale, from 2:30-4:30pm. The cost is just £2 per singer per session or £5 for a family of 4 – an incentive that it is hoped will bring more families together. The choir will learn gospel, jazz, folk and pop music, as well as original songs, and will work towards a number of incredible performances over the coming months.
This will be the first of many opportunities for Blaenau Gwent to experience music, and especially choral singing, in a new light and to get involved in some amazing events. For more information about Familia and the exciting opportunities planned for its members, please visit www.target-arts.org, email [email protected] or call 07531 150199. If anyone is interested in setting up a Familia franchise choir in their local area, they should contact TARGET at the above address.
