OUR SMALL GROUPS
Within the chorus there are other, smaller groups of musicians, including:
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Eclipse
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Happy Days
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Jabberwocky
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Picardy Fourth
We also occasionally put together the "AbbeyBella Orchestrella" just for fun to perform at the Abbey Belle shows. They are made up of members of the chorus who play (or used to play) musical instruments. It is usually a rabble, but really good fun!
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ECLIPSE
Eclipse formed in 2009 with their first performance being at the Abbey Belles Show in Howden that year. A subsequent change in line up, with Anne filling the gap left by Catrina, gave the current six “Eclipsers”; Carol, Jamie, Jo, Della, Janet and Anne.
Eclipse sing in a variety of styles, both a cappella and accompanied, and have songs in their repertoire in two, three, and four part harmony. Always keen to try something new, the sextet have experimented with beat boxing, and are known for having fun with choreography as part of their performances.
As well as a bit of good harmony singing, Eclipse love a curry, a cake and an escape room!
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HAPPY DAYS
Happy Days were formed with the remaining members of Hullabaloo, following the passing of bass, Anne in early 2022. Anne is sorely missed. Hullabaloo sang together for 20 years from 2002. They were:
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Susan (Tenor)
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Anne (Lead)
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Geraldine (Bari)
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Anne (Bass)
The quartet competed successfully in local music competitions and have twice been placed 9th in the LABBS national quartet competition. In 2009 Hullabaloo were delighted to achieve Susan's lifetime ambition of singing on Radio 4. Their version of the 'Upshares Downshares' theme was played on November 9th on the PM programme. Some of the 'Upshares' recordings, including Hullabaloo's, were made into a CD for BBC's Children in Need appeal, 2010. The CD was spectacularly successful and sold over 7000 copies.
JABBERWOCKY
Jabberwocky were formed in 2018. They are made up of:
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Victoria (Tenor)
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Catrina (Lead)
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Amy (Bari)
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Natalie (Bass).
Victoria, Catrina, Amy and Natalie all sing with the Abbey Belles. They have been together as a quartet for four years, during which time they've enjoyed lots of fun and laughter. The highlight has been their Christmas performance to a packed audience at Harlow Carr and winning their first trophy at the Pontefract Music Festival in March 2019. They recently won the Most Improved Quartet at LABBS Quartet Prelims in June 2022 and were thrilled to have received their best ever score in Prelims 2024, earing them a place at the semi-finals at LABBS Convention 2024!
For more information, see their Facebook page:
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PICARDY FOURTH
Picardy Fourth is a relatively new quartet having formed during a retreat weekend in September 2023. They are made up of:
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Janet (Tenor)
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Sueperb (Lead)
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Della (Bari)
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Liz (Bass).
Their original plan was to boost their confidence as singers, never dreaming that they would ever perform in public.. They've come on quite a journey since those early days, improving their confidence and enjoying singing together, but also becoming great friends.
The name Picardy Fourth is a playful musical reference. They will supply you with an explanation if you ask!
SOME PHOTOS...
Click each picture to expand the view
 Picardy Fourth before their first performance :) |  Performing at our Ukraine Concert in Sep 2022 |  Jabberwocky celebrating Most Improved Quartet from LABBS Prelims 2022 and Ladies Barbershop Quartet Class at Cleethorpes Music Festival 2022 |  Jabberwocky celebrating a well earned drink after LABBS Prelims Jun 2019 |  Jabberwocky competing at LABBS Quartet Prelims Jun 2019 |
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 Jabberwocky at Pontefract Music Festival Mar 2019 |  Eclipse Oct 2018 |  Eclipse at Rothwell Music Festival Mar 2017 |  Hullabaloo singing at Abbey Belles Show May 2016 |  Eclipse practising for Abbey Belles Show May 2016 |
 AbbeyBella Orchestrella playing at the Abbey Belles Show Sep 2012 |  AbbeyBella Orchestrella playing at the Abbey Belles Show Sep 2012 |  Hullabaloo singout with Scunthorpe Male Voice Choir Nov 2007 |  Hullabaloo competing at LABBS Convention Oct 2006 |