Why I make music
“ Singing is great in so many ways... Socially (I met my husband in a choir), physically (you have to stand well, breathe well, relax), mentally (you’re part of a team so have to forget your individual concerns and concentrate on the bigger picture), emotionally (music really does reach the parts that words alone can never reach).
Liz, singer, Bath
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“ I play to feel I am part of something bigger than me, for the applause, for the fun.
Lez, oboe, Leicestershire
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I started playing classical violin at school, gave up when I went to university and started again 35 years later, when I needed a project to get me away from the relentless treadmill of work-drink-sleep-work. My only relevant skill was music, and there was a local amateur orchestra which was just the right standard for me. Having started playing again, music is now, apart from being a source of joy and social contact, my hedge against old age - something that needs both physical and mental involvement which I hope will keep me sharp in my declining years.
Steve, violin, Surrey
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My first proper experience of choral music was when l was a student at Stranmillis Teacher Training College in Belfast. 1951 was the Festival of Britain and Belfast created a special Festival Choir. The Music lecturer suggested we join as we had been singing in the Stranmillis choir. It was a great experience although l can’t remember what we performed. The choir was conducted by Denis Mulgrew who was conductor of the Belfast Philharmonic Choir which l then joined. After getting married and having a family l became a member of St Michael’s Choral Society in Londonderry and performed many oratorios. Through the years because work caused us to move about l sang in Ulster Singers in Belfast, Fivemiletown Choral Society and finally Antrim Choral Society, to which l still belong. I have had a wonderful time performing in the Creation, Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem and lesser known choral works. I am grateful to the Festival Choir for introducing me to a wonderful lifetime of choral singing.
Anon, singer, Co.Antrim
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“ The achievement of successfully performing difficult music is such a fantastic feeling to share with a bunch of people who become long term friends.
Tim, singer, London
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I moved to Bristol just before my 67th birthday because my daughter lives there and was just starting a family. Sixty years before I had failed an audition for the school choir. All my adult life I mouthed the words. I never sang. I joined the Singing for Health Group in the Doctor’s surgery. I joined in order to meet new people. I reckoned that they would not mind if I sang out of tune. It has been a brilliant experience. I have lots of good friends in the choir and we enjoy going to a local cafe for coffee after our weekly rehearsals.
Steve, violin, Surrey
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“ Very therapeutic. Cannot be worrying about everyday problems and play. My son, who also plays, comes in very stressed on Friday evening. By the end of the session, he’s laughing and smiling and all set up for a relaxed weekend.
Ellen, flute, London
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“ My favourite element of any piece of music are the harmonies achieved when many notes merge together at once creating chords that resonate in your entire body. It’s pure bliss. Singing in a group allows me to be inside the music, creating those amazing harmonies with other passionate singers.
Anne, singer, Bournemouth
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“ After a very difficult year in work dealing with the aftermath of the Manchester Arena attack I went to see the choir perform their Christmas Concert. The performance, their constant smiles & their music genuinely touched my heart & soul & I knew that I had to find a way to be a part of this amazing choir. Singing with the choir makes EVERYTHING better, no matter how bad a day you’ve had, the minute to start to sing your worries & troubles leave you. Singing brings me peace, joy & happiness that I’ve never had before.
Tracie, singer, Manchester
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“ When the whole band is tuned in to each other, it’s just an amazing feeling, beats 1000x playing by yourself in your bedroom!
Filip, euphonium, London
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“ I sing with a group partly for the singing itself (I have sung ever since I was a small child, and still am - at age 82!) but also for the great sense of satisfaction and camaraderie it provides. The latter has been particularly helpful since I became a lonely widower some years ago.
David, singer, Bromley
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“ When I made the decision to join my local Samba drumming band, my self-esteem was at an all-time low. I wasn’t in the best place. I heard the band play at a local event and it made me feel great. I knew I wanted to be a part of that and pass on the feel good factor that the music brings, so joined that week! My confidence has increased so much and I look forward to our practices every week.
Ruth, drum, Lancashire
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I did a lot of singing and playing of music at secondary school and at university but hadn’t done any for around 25 years when I joined New Egham Singers. I love being part of a large group which unites towards a common goal, the camaraderie, the chance to learn and refresh old skills, and the opportunity to meet and become firm friends with people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s made me feel much more part of the life of our town and means I can’t go anywhere locally without bumping into people I know - which is lovely!
Sue, singer, Surrey
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“ I love getting to know new pieces of music and then working hard to learn my part. When the whole choir comes together it is the most incredible and rewarding thing to be a part of.
Nicola, singer, Coulsdon
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“ Until I joined the handbell group I was very frustrated at not being able to play a musical instrument, but now I am part of a group that really enjoys entertaining ourselves and others by ringing our handbells.
Michael, handbells, Northamptonshire
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I have always loved singing but at an early age I was told it sounded awful! Coming up to retirement I decided to challenge myself. First was the sky dive! Then I tried the choir expecting to be kicked out when they realised I sounded awful. To my surprise this didn’t happen. I could never sing solo as I know I don’t have the right voice or the confidence. I like being part of a group for the companionship and opportunities to join in other activities. I like the feeling of belonging.
Viv, singer, Aylesbury
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