Alvin M. Keeling 
An endearing personality who encouraged solo singing and paid attention to detail, Richard is also Assistant Music Director of the York Philharmonic Choir, of which he has been a member since 2002.
First formed in 1969, the choir has raised over £3,000 since lockdown for local cancer charities – Martin House Children’s Hospice and Wheatfields Hospice.
The choir recently took part in the Eskdale Festival of the Arts National Choir Day, Whitby, which was the first time HMVC entered a competition with other choirs, winning first place in the ‘Song from the Shows’ category and second place in the “Choir Recital”. ‘ Category
He also recently held his annual Sing Out concert at St. Wilfrid’s Church on Duchy Road attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Harrogate.
It worked with two primary school choirs who will also sing individually, Masham Church of England and Pannal Community Primary Schools.
The aim is to help young people to develop the art of singing, to develop their social skills, their self-esteem, their confidence and their experience of performing in front of an audience with an established and respected male choir.
But Harrogate Male Voice Choir are now seeking sponsorship to ensure they can continue their work.
Singing helps seniors to focus on at least one visit away from home during rehearsals, encourages them to socialize, improves their cognitive abilities, improves their self-esteem. Singing is good for the soul, provides a sense of accomplishment and worth.
HMVC’s search for new members is ongoing, as is its commitment to improving the quality of performance.
In particular, he must strengthen/increase our tenor section, especially the best tenors.
It is in this spirit that he plans to open our top tenor section to women who may be interested.
He is currently in the process of canvassing his members for their views on what may be seen by many in the Harrogate Male Voice Choir as a controversial issue.
Rehearsals for the choir take place every Tuesday evening between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Woodlands Methodist Church Hall, Wetherby Road in Harrogate between August and early July.
He usually gives 10 concerts a year.
Upcoming Harrogate Male Voice Choir concerts include:
June 18, 2022 Joint concert with Tewit Youth Band, Harrogate
October 1, 2022 – fundraiser for Marie Curie
December 10, 2022 Christmas Concert at St. Mary’s Church, Goldsborough
