 e
have a new, progressive and charismatic musical director, Rosemary
Kimmins, who has re-energised the choir. Her personality has not just
motivated us but made rehearsals a most enjoyable experience. Membership
is climbing, and that rare species, known as 'tenors', has doubled
in the last month.
Rosemary Kimmins studied Singing and Piano at the Royal Academy
of Music with Henry Cummings and Vivian Langrish and it soon became
apparent that her primary interest was for solo and choral singing.
After several years teaching in a variety of schools in London,
she settled in Norfolk and was for seven years head of music at
The Old Hall School, Hethersett. She went on to lecture for Norfolk
County Council at Wensum Lodge and during this time founded the
Norwich Boys Choir in conjunction with Kenneth Ryder, and the Norwich
Barbershop Singers. This successful male voice choir was extremely
popular and sang many concerts to high acclaim.
In 1977 she moved to Berkshire with her family and was appointed
Head of Vocal Studies at Downe House, a girl's public school near
Newbury. Rosemary managed to combine a heavy teaching programme
with coaching sessions for a local operatic group and gave regular
song recitals in and around Newbury. Following her husband's retirement,
the family returned to Norfolk and Rosemary joined the music department
of Gresham's School in Holt.
In between her teaching commitments she directs a small chamber
choir and a year ago became conductor of the North Norfolk Chorale.
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