Dedicated choir leader prepares to retire after 15 years

A long-serving church choir leader is preparing to retire from the role after 15 years of leading singers at services in two local churches.

Helen Snowball began leading the choir in 2009 after moving to the area from Carlisle in 2007. She has overseen the choir’s rehearsals and performances at Sunday services at both St Michael’s Church in Atworth and Christ Church in Shaw, which are in a partnership. She also selects the pieces the group sings and provides piano accompaniment.

“We have 17 people in the choir now, and I will really miss working with them,” says Helen. “I absolutely love leading them; they are so good at trying new music, and we have a lovely relationship.

“I will still see people because they live nearby, but I shall miss working with them. One of the highlights with the choir has been joining Salisbury Evensong on two occasions—that was a really memorable experience.”

Alongside singing at Sunday services and Evensong, the choir also performs at weddings and funerals.

“Being part of the choir opens up new opportunities for individuals. Singing at weddings and funerals can be really special and, along with the community aspect, it’s very good for the brain. It also helps individuals develop their voices and learn more about their vocal abilities. We have lots of fun, we really do,” explained Helen.

However, the Covid pandemic in 2020 meant the group could no longer sing together due to lockdown restrictions.

“Our vicar at the time led Zoom services, and we met online, but we couldn’t sing together,” says Helen. “We really did miss it. Our last four vicars have been quite musically minded, and they have all encouraged music, which has been really nice.

“We rehearse every Wednesday evening and sing on the third Sunday of the month in the morning at Atworth and the fourth Sunday at Shaw. On the second Sunday of the month, we run Evensong at St Michael’s in Atworth.

“That church hasn’t usually held Evensong with the choir, but we have done it for a couple of years now, and it’s been really good,” explained Helen.

The choir members range in age and dedicate their free time to being part of the group. However, there is concern among churches nationally about the future of church congregations and choirs due to a lack of younger people joining. Helen said, “I do wonder about youngsters and what will happen in the future.”

After moving to the area from Carlisle, Helen joined Corsham Choral Society and later sang with Melksham Choral Society.

“I have always been involved with music in one way or another, and what I like doing most of all is being an accompanist for people playing instruments or singing,” says Helen. “I am a pianist first and foremost.”

By retiring from the role, Helen says she and her husband will have more opportunities to visit family, and she is looking forward to continuing to play the piano with the choir.

Pictured: Helen, second from the right with fellow  choir members