Members Programme, News
Choir is back. Sing it!
GCP Choir is back, by popular demand!
Meet our new choir leader, Michael.
The GCP Choir has always been hugely popular, so we’re delighted to announce it’s back!
After some encouragement from Volunteer Manager, Kevin, regular choir member, Michael, has agreed to become our new Choir Leader.
Michael’s fabulous bass voice has enriched our choir over the years and he’s keen to get started,
‘This is a mixed ability choir. You don’t need previous experience, there’s no audition and you don’t need to read music.’
Leading the choir adds another string to Michael’s bow. He is one of our longest-serving volunteers and possibly the most versatile!
Rebooting the choir
Michael took over the choir mantle because,
‘People, the regulars, enjoyed the choir so much that it was a shame not to have the opportunity to sing on a weekly basis.
‘The choir is also important as part of GCP’s calendar of events; featuring in shows and at Christmas. We had to bring it back!’
Michael has never led a choir before, but he has had plenty of involvement with choirs. From singing old music hall songs with his family growing up, to being part of drama groups, he also gives an annual performance of comic songs with his singing group, ‘Mid-Atlantic.’
The choir is fun
If you Google ‘singing in a choir’, the list of benefits is too long to write here but includes, releasing endorphins, improving lung function, beating stress and anxiety, improving memory, and gaining greater social interaction and a sense of community.
So, it’s no surprise that the Choir is a popular group and has been missed. The first session with our new leader attracted five keen participants.
Elisa, for example, was very excited, stressing how she’s ‘really missed the choir.’
The group enjoyed tackling three very contrasting songs, choir favourite, Scarborough Fair’, a local ballad, ‘The Forth Bridge’ and an old musical hall classic.
Michael’s plan is to bring a mix of songs to the group, in response to what choir members enjoy the most.
His ambition for the choir is ‘To have fun!’ He adds,
‘We will focus on singing well together, rather than complex harmonies. The choir is for everyone, we just want to build up the choir again, sing our hearts out and have fun.’
There are also plans for a Christmas performance, so watch this space!
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