Singers Needed to Bring Holiday Soul to the Valley

Griffin Health is looking for singers of all skill levels to lend their voices and help spread holiday cheer throughout the Naugatuck Valley with its Valley Soul Community Choir.

Under the direction of Angela Clemmons, a professional singer for more than 40 years and director of the acclaimed “Shoreline Soul” performances in Madison, participants in the community choir will have six, two-hour workshops, culminating in a hand-clapping, foot-stomping, “this couldn't possibly be the Naugatuck Valley” concert of traditional and contemporary gospel and ‘gospelized’ holiday songs on Thurs., Dec. 3 at Church of The Good Shepherd, 135 Mountain Rd., Seymour.

In addition to providing an inspiring and uplifting performance, the Valley Soul choir aims to bring together individuals from churches and organizations throughout the area to help build and strengthen partnerships that will improve the health of the region.

“No one needs to know how to read music. All songs are taught by ear and everyone is given vocal guide tracks,” Clemmons said. “Our weekly sessions are upbeat, fun and very user-friendly - it’s amazing how much the choir learns and how confident they become in six short weeks, particularly when many have never sung gospel before!”

The training workshops will be Wednesdays September 23 and 30, October 7 and 21, and November 4 and 18 from 6:45-8:45 p.m. at Church of The Good Shepherd. Although the workshop is primarily for adults, youth who are able to follow a lyric sheet are welcome to participate.

The suggested registration donation to join the choir is $25. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Sign up online at griffinhealth.org/valley-soul. For more information, contact Lisa Nista at 203-732-7384 or Lnista@griffinhealth.org.

Valley Soul is sponsored by the President’s Fund at Griffin Hospital as a thank you to Griffin’s sponsors and the community, and as a celebration of Griffin’s family of employees, medical staff, volunteers, corporators, and trustees for their dedication, compassion and expertise.

About Angela Clemmons

Valley Soul Director Angela Clemmons has been a professional singer for over 40 years. As a background singer, she worked with Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Celine Dion, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Elton John, among many others. Her voice could be heard on TV and radio jingles for Burger King, Canada Dry Ginger Ale, Coke, KFC, Slim Fast and many more. She did two albums for CBS Records, which included the #4 disco hit “Give Me Just a Little More Time”. Angela spent 2013 touring with the Rascals (“It’s a Beautiful Morning,” “Groovin’”) as part of the “Rascals: Once Upon a Dream” show, performing on Broadway and theaters all over the US and Canada. TV appearances include The View, The Tony Awards, Saturday Night Live and others. Angela, mother of two, resides in Westbrook with her husband.