5 minute read
Local choirs combine to sing out for mental health
Two popular choirs in Wendover and one in Wing are joining together to put on a concert at Aylesbury’s Waterside theatre in April. It’s testament to the way that both communities have found singing to be a great way of meeting new friends, boosting self-esteem, learning new skills and aiding general wellbeing. A ground-breaking new concert ‘Sing Out For … Mental Health,’ devised by community choir champion Jill Neenan, will raise the roof with uplifting and popular songs showcasing the positive effect of singing on people’s wellbeing.
‘Singing out for…’
The new concept seeks to spotlight through singing areas which are affecting all of us, irrespective of age, demographic, gender or belief. Mental health is top of the list because singing has been proven to have a direct impact on people’s wellbeing. More of us are suffering, yet often unable to access the support required.
For the concert on 12 April all three choirs, which include singers as young as five and others nearing 90, will be on the Waterside stage to create one huge choir of 200+ singers. This enormous effort will be the largest ever gathering of performers on the Waterside Theatre’s stage.
Much-loved and well-known TV and radio presenter Andy Collins is lined up to host this spectacular concert with Jill and her special guests – David Rhys, Daisy Amphlett, Jim Aldcroft and Rebecca Izard. They are well-known on the local and national entertainment scene and will perform with the combined choir. The audience can expect a sprinkling of Andy’s much-loved humour and well-known audience participation.
Humble beginnings
All three choirs were formed by local people, passionate about singing in the community, meeting in village and school halls each week for the sheer joy of singing together. The community choir in Wing is 10 years old and Wendover’s two choirs are coming up for their fifth and third years respectively. Both adult choirs boast over 100+ members. The unique Wendover Children’s Choir includes 20 children at any one time, providing highly tailored teaching and support in a closed, safe and nurturing environment.
The choirs have performed sold-out summer and Christmas concerts as well as private performances throughout the year. All three choirs share the same musical director, Jill Neenan, who told Wendover News why people enjoy singing so much: ‘So much joy comes from finding your voice through singing, it’s a way to express how you are feeling and to let it all out. It is even more powerful when surrounded by others who are finding their voices as well. At the beginning of each rehearsal there is an air of excitement and expectation. We literally switch off from our trials and tribulations and sing together.
Bringing people together of all abilities and walks of life to work as equals is where the magic lies, and it results in the most beautiful and powerful sound.’
Turning ordinary into extraordinary
Jill has been creating successful, flourishing and dynamic community choirs, which sound semi-professional, for decades. Her years of professional singing, teaching, coaching and directing choirs of all ages enables her to get people from all walks of life to find their voices so they can experience the joy, sense of achievement and benefits which singing together can bring.
The chance to make a difference
It’s because of their personal experiences that the three choirs realised that they could make an even bigger difference to their local communities by coming together for a concert. This not only entertains and uplifts, but also puts the spotlight on how singing and performing can be a fantastic way to aid people’s well-being and mental health.
All profits from the concert will go directly to MIND UK, Lindengate and SPACE – mental health charities supporting thousands every year.
The majority of the choir members have never sung before and many cannot read music. They all share a common goal, to have fun, to sing and to learn. In a matter of months, after joining the choir, they are following scores, learning from others and singing their hearts out, following often complex four or six-part harmonies which are simply spectacular to hear. For the most part they might look like ordinary people, but to hear the choir in full voice really has to be seen and heard to be believed.
Talking with some of the members, their personal stories are humbling and heart-warming. One local member tells how she suffered with social isolation and depression, especially after the pandemic, so had to move back home with her parents. But since coming to choir her confidence has lifted and she feels able to go out, meet her friends and participate in society again.
Another spoke about her husband, diagnosed with cancer, and how coming out once a week was her saving grace to be able to support him. Far more so, realising at 70 years of age that she could sing has been transformative for her confidence and sense of belief in herself. It has made so much difference to her as well as her husband and those around her.
So many members constantly are amazed at what they sound like, “but I didn’t know you could sing like that” they say to one another, and often the response is “nor did I!”
Everyone’s involved…
The opportunity for people from every walk of life from five to 90 years old to sing out and shine on a full-blown, West End-worthy stage is incredible. With rehearsals ramping up (see social media to watch them rehearsing), members of the three choirs are getting excited. Sponsors, partners, volunteers and supporters are all lining up to make the concert a huge success.
If you’re interested in supporting the concert in any way, do get in touch. For further information about the concert see www.singoutfor.org. Tickets for the concert can also be bought from www.atgtickets.com.
For more details about Jill Neenan see www.jillneenan.com.
