FOR those who ‘can’t carry a tune in a bucket’ but enjoy trying to hit the right notes, then Oldham Tuneless Choir might be just the thing for you.
The choir is inviting people of all singing abilities to join them in 2025 and welcomes new members to their free taster session on Wednesday, January 15.
As well as being a fun and social activity, singing has many health benefits such as increased lung capacity, reduced stress levels and improved mental health and wellbeing.
The choir was founded in September 2019 by Gemma Cunliffe, who discovered the benefits of singing following the death of her partner Paul and her mum within a year of each other.
Gemma explained “One thing that helped me with my grief was singing, I found it incredibly cathartic and it was something I was keen to carry on with when I moved to Oldham.
“The friendships made through choir have also helped me immensely and I would encourage anyone feeling lonely to come along and give us a try.
“Our members are warm and friendly and our sessions are full of fun and laughter. Five years on I still feel the benefits after each session.”
The taster session is a chance for curious so-called ‘bad’ singers to see what it is like to join other tone-deaf music enthusiasts.
Choir leader Jess Leavy will begin the session with fun warm-ups then lead everyone through a playlist of Tuneless Classics.
The choir sings popular songs from across the decades with favourites including ABBA, Queen and 80s hits.
Jess, who has led the choir for the last three years, said: “Members aren’t divided into parts, so everyone sings the lead vocals at whatever pitch they can manage.
“We get so many enquiries from people who are curious about the choir but are not sure if it is for them, or worry they sing too badly.
“This is a perfect opportunity to come along and see without any pressure to participate.”
Oldham Tuneless Choir meets every other Wednesday, at Billingtons, Ascroft Street, Oldham with doors opening at 7pm. The first meeting of 2025 will be at 7.15pm on Wednesday, January 15.
For more information contact Gemma on 07719046374 or email oldham@tunelesschoir.com
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