The local Williamstown women’s choir, Willin Wimmin, hosted a workshop with musician Moira Smiley on Wednesday, July 10, at The Bridge Church Hall.
Smiley, from Vermont, USA, led a workshop where she taught two Appalachian songs, Oh Watch The Stars and Meeting Is Over, as well as one of her most powerful compositions, Refugee, inspired by her time volunteering in refugee camps.
Smiley shared the history of these songs and guided the choir in singing beautiful harmonies, delighting more than 70 attendees.
Willin Wimmin musical director Steph Payne said the event was wonderful.
“Moira grew up in the Northern Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by this music, so she is speaking from the heart when she tells us the stories and explains the music’s particular harmonies. This was such a rare and beautiful experience for us to have here, in our own neighbourhood.” she said.
