We can’t sing but we love being in this new choir
Now there’s no need to save your songs just for the shower
Love singing but can’t quite hit the notes? Wayward warblers can sing along with a new group for the vocally challenged.
The Tuneless Choir provides an inclusive, happy environment where the average Adele and not-so-mellifluous Mariah can belt out classics without fear of embarrassment.
Choirmaster Sheena Wickenden started the Maidstone group after hearing about the original choir in Nottingham.
The mum of two said: “I saw something about it on the TV and I thought, what a great idea. The founder in Nottingham loves to sing but as a child was always told to be quiet as she was out of tune.”
Since opening in January the move has obviously struck a chord with people as six more choirs have formed.
Mrs Wickenden, who also teaches Zumba, said: “I absolutely love the community coming together. It’s brilliant.”
Kirsty Huntley, 33, joined after receiving a leaflet. “I have always loved singing and wanted to join a choir bit I can’t sing very well,” she said.
The mum of four, from East Farleigh, enjoys the sense of freedom singing with the choir provides.
Ms Huntley suffers from an autoimmune disease and back condition spondylitis so the day out with her mum and aunt singing along to the likes of the Beatles, Abba and Keane is something she looks forward to.
“We really make a day out of it – we go for dinner first and really enjoy it. It’s been amazing emotionally and physically because singing releases endorphins,” she said.
Karen Crowder, 58, travels from Sheppey each week to sing. She said: “It’s been really good for meeting people and making friends. I sing absolutely everything and have been driving my husband mad so he is pleased!” At the moment the choir, which meets fortnightly at the United Reformed Church in Week Street, is content to bellow out their favourite hits in the hall but there maybe some public performances at Christmas time.
Visit www.tunelesschoir.com, email maidstone@tunelesschoir. com or call Sheena on 07595 639145.