History
On a very hot July evening in 2004 a scratch choir of children, staff and parents of Fairlawn School performed in a ‘Musical Mystery Tour’ after seven very busy rehearsals, to fundraise for a new school piano. There were over 40 participants, many other musical performers on the programme, a CD was cut, and this inspiring event, masterminded by a group of parents, themselves professional musicians, aided and abetted by school staff, raised £5,000.
Everyone involved wanted the ‘choir’ to continue and a professional opera singer, who was also one of the mums, took over and it became an evening class for adults. Where possible children always took part in concerts.
Now 20 years and four musical directors later we are an established local choir and our rehearsal base is the beautiful St. Saviour’s Church, Brockley Rise, SE23.
There have been many concerts where a wide range of music, both a Capella and accompanied, has been performed, and there have been a host of charitable causes supported.
We had a wonderful 10 year anniversary champagne concert celebration with our then musical director, Alistair Digges, in the summer of 2014.
We have welcomed many professional musicians to accompany and perform with us, most recently sharing a platform with The Allegri String Quartet.
A favourite annual Maytime fixture is singing in the acoustically fabulous ruined chapel during the Nunhead Cemetery Open Day!
One Tree Hill Choir Charter
One Tree Hill Choir, formerly known as the Fairlawn Singers, is a community choir based in Honor Oak Park, London. We are an inclusive choir and welcome singers from all musical experience, ability and background. There is no need to audition in order to join our choir, nor do we expect anyone to be able to read musical scores. We sing a wide range of music, from baroque classics, choral pieces to contemporary pop, always with a sense of fun and togetherness. Through our Musical Director we are committed to providing high-quality music to as many people as possible, especially those, for whom music would otherwise be inaccessible.
Through a programme of performances, supported by weekly rehearsals we aim to:
- Provide a safe and enjoyable environment for people to sing
- Support & encourage members to progress in their vocal and choral skills through a challenging and interesting repertoire
- Collaborate with local orchestras, musicians & professional singers to enhance the performance experience for everyone – choir & audience alike
- Encourage a sense of social inclusion & responsibility through performing to raise awareness of and/or funds for local charities.