Rock Choir, or any informal choir - do you?

I belong to a choir called 'Sing it Happy' and they have performed for lots of Christmas events - sadly, I haven't been able to join in this year.

Some participants have really good voices and then there are the rest of us!! But the joy it gives me is enormous.

I am definitely in 'the rest of us' - but love it.

I run a community choir and have done for the last 30 years! I am passionately committed to the idea that everyone should have the chance to sing regardless of their skills - or lack thereof. It all began because someone I was working with was so envious of the wonderful singing opportunities that I had had - City of Birmingham Choir, Three Choirs Festival, lots of different chamber choirs. It has been such a joy. So I said well come on round with your pals and we will do some singing - and it snowballed from there. We now run an arts festival between us and perform regularly, especially around Christmas. Everyone knows that it is not a crack choir but they come along to share in the fun.

I was also very aware that I have sung some of the world's most beautiful music and that these pieces had a different meaning for me than those that I had only ever listened to - you listen and enjoy music in a whole different way when you have learned and performed it; when you have truly been inside it.

So I did not see why everyone should not have that chance to get inside music with all the joys that brings. So - the group sings all sorts of things and even tries to learn some classical pieces - madrigals etc. And of course we do much easier stuff as well. I have watched people who said they could not sing blossom; I have seen people who could not read music learn this by osmosis. They mainly learn by ear but having the music there has given people skills they did not have before.

Why should beautiful music only be for those who have been lucky enough to have some musical education?

I will shut up now - I told you I was passionate about it!

I wish I could sing but can’t hold a note in a bucket. My DiL is a member of Rock Choir. They have a lot of gigs and it takes up a lot of her time but she loves it.

There will be a choir for you gd. DH bought messaging lessons because I was reputed to be tone deaf. My singing teacher runs the choir and I feel as though my singing ability is improving.

DH and I are in a community choir in the next village. It is lovely to sing together in a group. We have just put on our first concert since the pandemic. It is just a case of finding the choir that suits you, or start one!

www.naturalvoice.net/find-a-choir/ - you can search on here.

Wonderful, thanks Luckygirl

I love singing & am very envious of those with voices good enough to join a "proper" choir. Like Gd I can't hold a note in a bucket. So we started our own singing group specifically for people who can't sing - the moaners, the droners & groaners. Doesn't matter what sound comes out of your mouth this is for you. There is no audition, no sheet music & definitely no performing. It is a u3a group & we "sing" on a Monday morning which is a great way to start the week. As well as singing we laugh a lot especially when we murder someone's favourite song. Everyone leaves smiling.

Brilliant Gala

Hi everyone
I love singing and joined Rock Choir 6 years ago. It's a bit expensive although to be fair fees have not increased since I joined. It's my only social outlet so will continue as long as I can. I'm not a good singer but just love the uplifting feeling of singing in a large group. I've made some good friends over the years too.

I sing in a choir where I used to be one of the youngest, but I’m creeping up the age range. We sing 2, 3 or 4 part harmonies and a variety of songs, familiar ones, Pop Classics etc.
most members can read music, but some simply learn by listening to the part and singing it. I love it.

I'd love the old community singing to make a comeback. I loved choir practices but performance - no, just hated being 'the show'.

L1247

Hi everyone
I love singing and joined Rock Choir 6 years ago. It's a bit expensive although to be fair fees have not increased since I joined. It's my only social outlet so will continue as long as I can. I'm not a good singer but just love the uplifting feeling of singing in a large group. I've made some good friends over the years too.

Dare I ask, genuinely interested- how much is it?

Kitty I’m not tone deaf - I play the piano (hmm on second thoughts……) but these days my voice sounds like gravel rumbling around in an oil drum, and the result is certainly not tuneful! The best I can do for choirs is stay away from them. Glad you, and all other members of choirs, are enjoying your singing though!😊

Pre-covid a friend was in Pop Choir, think it was about £10/week. They sang at some interesting Xmas events e.g. switching on of lights, and various locations in the West End and The City.

I can't hold a note

Fleurpepper last time I looked (out of sheer nosiness) it was £100 per 10 week term for 3 terms. (Our group is £2 per session & we're only "closed" on bank holidays, and you get a cuppa & a biscuit. Bargain eh?)

I belong to our village Ladies community choir. We hold concerts for charity, sing at weddings, birthdays and funerals.
We’ve even been on TV with Gareth.

We have a lovely village community choir with over 100 members. Our teacher/ conductor is a talented musician and teacher, getting a beautiful sound from us. If you sing a bum note in a large choir it is hidden. We range in age from eight to eighty plus. We had many concerts in the Christmas run up and we all love it, making many friends and it is a fantastic community activity. We have several disabled members who sing from their wheelchairs and as is unusual in such choirs a large number of males. We usually sing in four part harmony but not all of us can read music, we learn from each other. It really lifts ones spirit, I walk home as happy as can be.

Gala

Fleurpepper last time I looked (out of sheer nosiness) it was £100 per 10 week term for 3 terms. (Our group is £2 per session & we're only "closed" on bank holidays, and you get a cuppa & a biscuit. Bargain eh?)

Thanks- fair value, but still, must put off many who are finding it hard to make ends meet, especially now.

So if anyone can start a private group, it is probably chaper. But takes a lot of organising, finding a 'leader/teacher', premises, etc, etc.

I think it is great that there are so many different choirs - something for everyone!
Singing is good for the heart and the soul.

Oh how I wish I could sing. I would love to join a choir but not only can I not sing, I get tears in my eyes when I try, no idea why, it just all wells up and I feel really stupid. Any cure for that?

Yes, I love being in Rock Choir, I joined in 2009. I’ve greatly appreciated the way we managed to continue during the pandemic, and we can still do online sessions. This has been so useful while I’ve been unwell last term.

Are you a happy singer?

Yes, but those around me never seem that happy.