I have been singing ever since I can remember! I don’t know when I started, but I grew up singing in school choirs whenever I got the chance. In secondary school, I joined both the chamber choir after school and, once I turned 13, the county youth choir which I sang with for 11 years. This was led for many years by Julian Wilkins, who currently conducts the CBSO Youth Chorus and is the associate chorus director for the CBSO Chorus. He, along with another choral director called Roger Bond, inspired my love of singing through amazing and varied repertoire as well as cultivating a family-feel in their choirs. I cannot thank them enough for the start they gave me in my singing. I also took part in various school musicals throughout my secondary education, including some lead roles.
As I got older and grew more confident, I began to lead small groups of singers in rehearsals and, once I became a music teacher, whole school choirs. However, I missed singing for myself.
I joined Rolleston Choral Society when my family moved to Burton, and found both the quality and the people great. In my first rehearsal with the choir, I remember being astounded at how well the choir sang in their four part harmony.
I love singing because it always makes me happy, either in a choir or belting out tunes in the car. I love the joy, the rush of endorphins and the fun that it gives. I think everyone should have a try at singing in a choir and see how much fun it is! I can’t quite explain how good singing can make you feel - you’ll just have to try it for yourself!
Sophie