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!
