It was with some trepidation that I went for my first rehearsal with Eastwood Chorale but I need not have worried. I was made very welcome by the friendly choir members and felt comfortable from that very first night.
That was 8 years ago and since then I have had so much pleasure from learning to sing music from requiems, rock, west end musicals and much more.
Our musical director, Ian Walker, inspires me to sing pieces I never dreamt I was capable of, all with his infectious enthusiasm, infinite patience and humour.
I would never have experienced the joy of singing in the Brentwood and Chelmsford Cathedrals and joining in with 1,200 singers at the Royal Albert Hall had I not joined Eastwood Chorale.
An added bonus is the friendliness of the choir members. I have made many friends and enjoy the social activities the choir committee organise throughout the year.
What our members think.....
Singing banishes, at least temporarily, all the cares of the world and leaves one refreshed and with renewed strength to cope with life's vicissitudes.
The challenge of learning a difficult piece and helping to create a beautiful sound, whatever one's music reading ability, is rewarding and satisfying, and performing as part of a choir with an orchestra can be breathtakingly exciting.
Last but not least, the social side. Members of the choir provide camaraderie and support through good times and bad, and friendships formed through singing can last a lifetime.
I discovered Eastwood Chorale after answering a request for singers to join the choir in their performance of the Carmina Burana.
That was in 2012 and I'm still here! I had little singing experience, couldn't read music and I'm definitely not note perfect.
But the feeling of achievement,
teamwork and exultation I get when performing or rehearsing is the reason I still sing with this friendly and diverse choir.
Whilst discovering the pure joy of singing, I've also found A sense of
achievement, pride and passion.
I've also made many enduring friendships.
Singing is definitely good for the soul !!
Since joining Eastwood Chorale 2 years ago... have reawakened my love and joy for music and performing...
Joined reluctantly but surprised at the
friendship and cameraderie of everyone... All very supportive
Great music maestro... always finds something positive to say and is very encouraging...
A lovely group to belong to...and very proud to tell people that I'm a member...
Great to see people of different ages singing together...
Eastwood Chorale is "epoustouflant"
Singing is solace for the soul.
If you have problems, loss or troubles, after an evening rehearsing with the friendly Eastwood Chorale, you leave, a much soothed, happy person.
Singing in our concerts is delightful and fun.
'If you love music and singing, come and join our fun and friendly bunch!'
I find that singing in a relaxed atmosphere is a good way of feeling special, especially at concerts.
I come away feeling on a real high. It helps belonging to a very friendly choir.