The charm of Chamber!

We have had a busy and wonderful couple of weeks performing our end of Spring term concerts!  

Each area had it's own dedicated performance where they sang all of the arrangements learnt over the last term. Soul Choirs is a non-audition, fully inclusive Community Choir but, for those who like to challenge themselves, as always, there was also the opportunity to be part of a 9 - 12 person Chamber Choir. This is a smaller, more intimate, much more exposed(!) group of members who are required to learn a specially arranged song which features in the concert.

To take part, a short vocal audition has to be submitted and the Director's make their decision based on musicality, tone and how the well the voices blend. For many, just putting themselves forward is a huge step; there's a marked difference between enjoying singing in a safe, comfortable group and throwing yourself out there, leaving fear at the door and making yourself vulnerable!

If successful, the group get a couple of pre-rehearsal run throughs and that's it - it's show time!

I honestly don't think I've ever met a Chamber Choir member who's regretted taking the leap. There always seems to be a magical transformation after the performance - indescribable satisfaction and empowerment. The nerves, anticipation and worry transcend into a haze of achievement and giddy pride and it IS an achievement - Soul Choirs' arrangements are not run of the mill, basic, three part harmony; they're a bit juicier and more challenging. That said, learning these songs in your own time to performance level is no mean feat!

I asked for some feedback from this term's participants and you can read some of what they said below...

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'I was a part of this term's Chamber Choir for the first time and I can honestly say I’m so glad I auditioned. I’d never sung in public before joining Soul Choirs - unless the shower and the car counts! It gave me a big confidence boost making the audition and then actually performing.' Hayley

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'I have been fortunate enough to participate in the Chamber Choir on two occasions now and, honestly, it has been such an awesome experience and done loads to my singing confidence. I hope to be afforded the opportunity to participate in the Chamber Choir in the future once more, and would recommend to all who are part of the Soul Choir to give it a go. The results are truly rewarding!' Michael

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The concert experience with chamber choir was really intimate and it was fun bouncing off each other in the moment.I strongly recommend others give it a try and don't hold back.  You won’t be disappointed! Lucy

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'Being part of the Chamber Choir is a really great experience! It can feel a little daunting at first to be given the challenge of learning your part alone and knowing that there will be a lot less of you up their singing, but as soon as you come together with the other members you get a real sense of teamwork and collaboration.' Mark

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'Singing with the chamber choir really boosts confidence, and it sounds lovely when all our voices come together!!' Sue

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‍'I have a very love/hate relationship with the stage in that the only way I can perform solos or act is to pace with nerves for hours before hand. So this time I decided to try to just enjoy singing rather than focus on the detail. I really enjoyed doing the solo this time and it’s really helped my nerves. I had the confidence to belt it out.' Lynda

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'I hadn't sung in such a small group before but a love of the song and the arrangement pushed me towards having the courage to send an audition in. It was great to be given a chance to sing the soprano part and I learnt to listen to the track really carefully so that I knew the part well. All in all, it was the love of the music and the power of sharing it collectively that saw me through!' Sharon

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'Chamber Choir is a wonderful opportunity, being able to sing such beautiful arrangements in a small group challenges our accuracy, timing and requires careful listening to each other, when it all comes together this is pure joy' Brionnie

'It's something I'll remember forever and I felt so proud of myself. There was something magical about it. The sense of achievement was immense.' Carolyn

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As you can see, there's an over-riding theme here! Being able to offer this opportunity is a genuine honour for our Leaders as they witness, first hand, all of the benefits taking part offers. It's always a special moment in the concerts and you can feel an overwhelming sense of support and willing on from the rest of the Choir.

We hope members continue to be brave and put themselves forward -they absolutely won't regret it!

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