SINGERS HAVE been belting their hearts out across the country with Rock Choir for the last ten years.
Our editor Aimee Howarth went along to the Uppermill group to find out what it’s all about…
LAUGHTER AND cheerful singing greeted me as I entered the Civic Hall, a little unsure what I was about to be immersed in…
There was an excited buzz in the air as the group members – both men and women – took their seats ready to launch into the session.
Not only was it the first week back after the Easter break, but they were also keen to discover what they would be singing for their 10th anniversary concert at Birmingham Arena on June 6 and 7.
Leader Phil Reynolds kicked off the evening with a few fun exercises and tongue twisters to make sure everyone’s voices were relaxed and warmed up.
Then he unveiled what they were all waiting for – details about the two-night event when Rock Choirs across the UK will celebrate their landmark birthday, joined by the likes of Chesney Hawkes, Kim Wilde and Kiki Dee.
And the group has two numbers to perfect in the few weeks before the concert – ‘Don’t go breaking my heart’ by Elton John and ‘Xanadu’ by Olivia Newton-John.
Wasting no time, Phil launched straight into the lyrics, guiding each voice type through their part and practising along with the keyboard.
After much laughing, scrambling for notes and a few humorous anecdotes along the way, all the sections were coming together nicely by the end of the evening.
With all the members able to download soundtracks to practise along to at home, no doubt they will be note perfect by the big day.
Phil, who has run the group for almost four years, said: “What we produce is always great but people come along to just sing and have a good time.”
Group member Margaret, who joined last September, added: “It is wonderful how Phil pulls everything together and we always have a really good time as well.”
The group sings at festivals, garden parties and weddings and will be at the Saddleworth Show for the first time this year on Sunday, June 28.
They have also starred on the One Show as well as recording three songs in the Abbey Road Studio One with top engineer Simon Rhodes and a string quintet.
The Rock Choir was set up in 2005 and now has more than 60 leaders who hold sessions country-wide.
The Uppermill group meets weekly at Civic Hall and is open to anyone aged 18+. To find out more visit www.rockchoir.com or email philreynolds999@gmail.com
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