"Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns Grow’
A potted history of Surrey Music
The ‘mighty oak’ that is Surrey Community Music Society started with the formation of Elmbridge Choir in 2005. Now comprising three thriving choirs boasting almost 300 volunteer members, the society has in addition founded a highly successful community big band, supported and developed a group of young musicians, set up a music group for new parents and babies, organised weekly music sessions for adults with learning disabilities, provided more than £14,000 in grants for music activities and raised more than £200,000 for charitable purposes.
How it all began….planting the seed
Elmbridge Choir was founded by Cobham resident Cliff van Tonder, who wanted to start a local choir in his community. Having placed an advert in the local papers inviting members of the public to come along to the choir’s first ever rehearsal, he was delighted to find that the hall was packed with more than 100 eager prospective choir members!
