Two choir members describe what brought them to Havering Singers and what they have gained from singing with the choir.
Sarah
Since returning to the UK from living abroad I have been a member of a choir, moving each time I have changed where I live. I look forward to the weekly rehearsals, an opportunity to exercise the vocal cords amongst like-minded people and to produce, I hope, an enjoyable performance at the end of each term.
Encouraged by my parents, as a family we listened to records of classical recordings on a Sunday morning. Additionally, my brother and I were taken to weekly classical concerts as children. Both activities inspired a love of music, leading to me playing in an orchestra and singing in a choir, albeit whilst at school. It is true that being able to read music helps, although it is not a prerequisite for singing in a choir.
Why do I sing?
- I work in London, when we are in the office, and run a small charity. Finding outlets that provide a different challenge helps with stress management.
- It provides an opportunity to spend time with my mum. She has sung in choirs for nearly 40 years and our weekly outing is a chance to share a common interest and have a chin-wag on our journey to and from rehearsals.
- It provides a chance to socialise with like-minded people who enjoy singing and the same type of music.
Why do I sing with Havering Singers?
- It makes me feel part of the local community.
- There is no audition, so no scary entrance exam.
- The variety of music performed, from formal Masses to modern-day music.
- My mother had previously performed in joint concerts with Havering Singers, so we knew that they were friendly, welcoming and encouraging.
- Despite the impact of Covid in recent years, the choir is robust in terms of numbers, although we can always do with more men. For those who know that their musical ability is far exceeded by their enthusiasm, there is safety in numbers!
The reception that my mother and I have received has been incredible. The conductor, accompanist, committee, section lead and members have all taken time to speak to me, find out a little more about who I am, and see whether I am settling in and enjoying myself.
If you are in doubt about joining a choir, give it a go. You lose nothing by trying out a term and seeing how it goes. Attending choir practice is always well worth the effort, especially in the winter months when the weather outside is saying “stay indoors”.
Barbara
I had read several articles extolling the benefits of singing as part of a group, which suggested that there is a positive boost to mental health and psychological well-being. The enthusiasm of one of my sisters, when she joined a choir after retiring, also made me feel I would like to do the same.
Chatting to a friend at the gym, she mentioned going to an open day, which resulted in her joining Havering Singers. Obtaining the details from her, I checked out the website, liked what I saw, and was spurred on to contact the choir treasurer. He sent an encouraging reply and I joined on 5 September 2012.
At that time I was going through a stressful period after coping with several health issues, so it was a pleasant distraction and uplifting experience to start a completely new venture.
The experience of joining the choir has rekindled skills learned as a child, such as the piano, which now helps me to follow the music during choir practice. The variety of music performed by Havering Singers, from Latin to musical shows, is also a nostalgic reminder of my growing up, when I sang in the church choir and enjoyed going to the cinema to see shows such as West Side Story and My Fair Lady.
This year’s Spring concert, when we sang Handel’s Messiah with a full orchestra and soloists, was truly magnificent. It is also lovely to know that it was first performed in Dublin in 1742, my homeland.
I have made some good new friends at Havering Singers and everyone has been very welcoming, from our conductor, pianist and team leader to those who tirelessly organise the music scores and bonding events.
Attending choir practice is always well worth the effort, especially in the winter months when the weather outside is saying “stay indoors”.