What exactly is the Ionian Clarinet Choir (ICC)?

The Choir consists of 10 – 15 enthusiastic players, playing a variety of clarinets which cover most of the clarinet family. They range from the Eb and Bb to the Alto, Bass and Contra-Alto. Occasionally the Contra-Bass is brought out! The Choir has been making music since its formation in 1970 by Roy Upton-Holder, a professional clarinettist. After his retirement in 1992, the ICC was under the baton of Roger Greenwood, a longstanding Choir member. When Roger stepped down in early 2007, he was succeeded by Lionel Elton who kept the Choir going until December 2007. After a couple of years of ‘job’share’ conductors – Roger (once again) and Chris Hooker (an ex-Choir member), Roger resumed as sole conductor. We are now conducted by Emily Rose Simons and Ian Merryweather.

What standard of players are accepted?

Based on the music we play, we accept Grade 7 (or equivalent) as the minimal benchmark. However this is not sacrosanct – for example young aspiring players or others who are having tuition and are in the process of developing their potential, would be welcome to sit in for a trial run! The final decision to play in concerts rests with our Conductor and Leader.

What type of music do you play?

Over the years we have built up a library of nearly 300 pieces covering a wide range of music – everything from Scott Joplin to Widor, via Glen Miller, Basie, Sullivan, Rossini, Haydn, Tchaikovsky, Elgar and much Mozart! Many of our pieces were arranged by our founder, Roy Upton-Holder whilst others are original pieces written for a clarinet choir.  In recent years, certain choir members, past and present, have generously arranged new works for us, so enabling the Choir’s repertoire to continue expanding and provide new challenges.

Where do you meet, and how often are rehearsals and Concerts?

Since our inception, our base was Christ Church Hall, next to Christ Church, Oakley Park North, N20 9AR, just off the High Rd, Whetstone, London Borough of Barnet.

In April 2014, we moved out of Christ Church Hall and now rehearse at the home of one of members, Craig Simons, in his Garden Studio - 31 Elmbank Avenue, Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN5 3DU - and continue to rehearse fortnightly, normally on the 2^nd Tuesday and 4^th Thursday of the month (during normal term times)  from 8.00pm to 10.00pm.

We aim to hold at least 2 concerts per term, usually in the local area and often in churches but sometimes in care homes for elderly people.

Can you reach rehearsals by public transport?

High Barnet Underground Station on the Northern Line is under 10 mins drive and can be continued up to the Arkley Pub by using the 107 or 307 buses. We are just a short walk from the bus stop.

How is the ICC financed? What about membership fee?

We receive no grants from any outside source i.e. we are totally self-financing. Members pay £3.00 per rehearsal they attend. This income, together with our normal appearance fee of £100.00 (min) per concert, covers our expenditure, music and insurance. All our members give their services and time to the ICC, without payment. We have a Treasurer who produces annual accounts which are distributed to members.

How can I find out more………..

If you are interested in what you have read so far, we would encourage you to make contact with us with a view to coming along one evening and sitting in,  with your clarinet and music stand! And we’ll take it from there. Also check our facebook page.