Community voice
THANKS to Gareth Malone, a few military wives and a tear-jerking Christmas song, singing in a choir has never been so popular.
Gone are the days when the only chance to open your lungs and belt out a tune was by auditioning to join a group of serious singers in a church or village hall.
These days, all you need to become part of one of the many community choirs springing up all around Gloucestershire is a bit of courage and a whole heap of enthusiasm.
One such group is the Everyvoice choir, which was set up by The Everyman Theatre last year in response to a request from some university students for a Glee-style singing group.
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A year on and the choir has gone from strength to strength, with so many members it has now split into two Happy Harmonies groups.
At the helm is Caroline Mander, who has 20 years of experience in musical theatre.
As enthusiastic and inspiring as Gareth Malone himself, she has aspirations of creating even more groups in Cheltenham and Gloucester, for children, the elderly and anyone in between.
"Most people who come to the groups have never sung in public before, but love singing in their bedrooms or in the shower," said Caroline.
"They start off feeling a bit shy and nervous, but once they start to sing they find it really exhilarating. It gives them more confidence.
"Seeing them get the feeling that I've always got from performing is the biggest thrill for me. I also love the spine-tingling moment when everyone is singing in harmony and it sounds amazing."
The choir sings everything from traditional numbers from musical theatre to Coldplay and Elbow. If you're interested in joining, the Happy Harmonies group meets at the Wheatsheaf, in Old Bath Road, at 7pm on Tuesdays, with the beginners group meeting at 7pm on Wednesdays at the Fiery Angel, in Hewlett Road, Cheltenham.
A Latte And Lyrics group for mums, Fresh Sounds Youth Choir and Golden Voices group for the elderly will all start in January.
To book a place or get more information, call 01242 572573.
Elaine McLaren
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