Gospel Workshop to be held in Guilford

The "Joyful Noise" Concert Series will hold the "Shoreline Soul" Community Choral Gospel Workshop, directed by professional singer, Angela Clemmons, at the First Congregational Church, on the Guilford Green, according to a statement.

All levels are welcome to participate and no auditions necessary, the statement said. 

The workshop is primarily for adults, but youths who are able to follow a lyric sheet are welcome to participate, the statement said. 

"The five, uplifting, 2-hour workshop sessions will culminate in a hand-clapping, foot-stomping concert, where the participants will perform the traditional and contemporary gospel songs they've learned. "

 "Our weekly sessions are upbeat, fun and very user-friendly," Angela Clemmons said, also in the statement. "No one needs to know how to read music.  All songs are taught by ear and everyone is given a practice CD.  Because it's all about the music and not a church service, we get singers from all faiths and even the faith-less.  It works well.  It's amazing how much the choir learns and how confident they become in five short weeks, particularly when many have never sung gospel before."

The five Monday sessions will be held on April 30, May 7, 14, 21, skip Memorial Day and resume for session five on June 4, the statement said.  All sessions are from 6:45 – 8:45 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, Guilford.

 The church is as the corner of Route 77 and Broad Street.  The concert, which is free and open to the public will be held at 3 p.m. June 10, with a pre-concert rehearsal at 1:45 p.m., the statement said.

The workshop registration fee is $90, the statement said.  Early registration, paid by April 16, is $80.  Registrations are being accepted by phone: 203-245-6944 or e-mail: shorelinesoul@comcast.net.  Some scholarships are available, the statement said. 

Angela Clemmons, has been a professional jingle and background singer for over 25 years.  She has worked with Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Steely Dan, Vanessa Williams, Martin Short, Gregory Hines, Sarah Brightman, Roberta Flack, Smokey Robinson, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Bolton, Shania Twain, George Benson, among many others, the statement said.  Television appearances include: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, and the Late Show with David Letterman.  Her voice could also be heard on numerous TV and radio jingles for Burger King, Canada Dry Ginger Ale, Coke, KFC, Slim Fast and many more.  She recorded two albums for CBS Records, which included the #4 disco hit, "Give Me Just A Little More Time".  Now the mother of two teenagers, Clemmons resides in Madison, the statement said.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.