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Music at the Meetinghouse has announced the return of the Shoreline Soul Community Choral Gospel Workshop at the First Congregational Church in Madison, directed by professional singer Angela Clemmons. All levels of singers are welcome to participate. Although the workshop is primarily for adults, youth who can follow a lyric sheet are also welcome.

The workshop consists of five two-hour sessions culminating in a hand-clapping, foot-stomping, this-couldn’t-possibly-be-Madison, Connecticut gospel concert, where the participants will perform the traditional and contemporary gospel songs they’ve learned.

“Our sessions are upbeat, fun, and very user-friendly,” Angela says. “No one needs to know how to read music. All songs are taught by ear, and everyone is given recordings of their part to study at home. It’s all about the music, not a church service, which attracts singers from all faiths and even the faith-less. It’s amazing how much the choir learns and how confident they become after such a short time, particularly when many have never sung gospel before.”

There will be five Monday sessions, March 25, April 1, April 22, May 6, and May 20, from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m., at the First Congregational Church (on the town green), 26 Meetinghouse Lane, Madison. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will be Sunday, June 9, at 4 p.m., with a pre-concert rehearsal at 2:15 p.m.

Registration for the “Shoreline Soul” workshop is now open. The workshop fee is $95, with a discounted early registration fee of $85 for those who register by March 18. Early registration is encouraged as there is limited space. Please note that registration is only complete after payment has been received. Some scholarships are available.

To register, email shorelinesoul@gmail.com and request a registration form. Call 203-619-1415 with any further questions.

Clemmons, the director, has enjoyed a career as a professional singer spanning over four decades. As a background singer, she worked with Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Nick Jonas, Elton John, Steely Dan, and Cyndi Lauper, among many others. Her upbringing as the daughter of a Pentecostal pastor and her diverse experiences in the music industry contribute to her expertise as well. Clemmons resides in Westbrook.

Angela Clemmons, the director, has enjoyed a career as a professional singer spanning over four decades. She lives in Westbrook. Photo courtesy of Shoreline Soul

Shoreline Soul will return this spring. All levels of singers are welcome to participate. Although the workshop is primarily for adults, youth who can follow a lyric sheet are also welcome. Photo courtesy of Shoreline Soul