On Monday 21st March 2022, The Parish Trust’s Community Choir launched, with its first rehearsal taking place. Around 40 members joined for the opening rehearsal.
Members had come from all over Caerphilly County Borough to sing together for the first time. The Choir is a mixed ability choir, with a laid back approach to learning music whilst having fun together, bringing different people together and creating community. A wide age range was represented from young adults to people 75 years of age and older.
The rehearsal consisted of warm ups, with some light exercise, followed by singing some familiar songs together and learning the first piece of music, You Raise Me Up, popularised by Josh Groban.
Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, our Chair of Trustees, is leading the choir. He said,
It was wonderful to see people come together, many for the first time, and make a beautiful sound as we sang ‘You Raise Me Up’. Many of the members have never been part of a choir before and so to be able to produce something as significant as this in the first rehearsal was a real achievement. I wouldn’t say that I’m a professional musician, but I like to think that those who joined the rehearsal last night felt that the approach was warm, friendly, and fun, with no pressure!
The mix of individual practise at home, coming to choir and socialising, learning some breathing techniques and other warm ups as well as signing a blend of familiar short songs and learning a bigger piece means that people can find it very easy to join a choir and get something out of it. We’re really excited to see where the choir is going to go as it gets stronger and builds its repertoire.
The Community Choir is always looking for new members, and is particularly keen for men to join. Rehearsals are on a Monday night from 7pm until 8:30pm. More information can be found on our dedicated Community Choir page.
