Singing a perfect ‘tonic’ to get choir through pandemic
Members aged from 30s to 80
MEMBERS of a choir have spoken about how singing helped them through the pandemic, as they get ready to return to normality after 17 months of online rehearsals.
The Igloo Choir, which was set up 10 years ago by singer and songwriter Dielle Hannah, has adapted to the challenges of the pandemic and its members have helped each other continue producing music throughout this ‘frightening’ period.
Dielle, from Wickham, said: ‘I’m a musician, my life has been completely shut down so it’s been really good for us to log on and see some familiar faces, have a laugh and sing together, and it makes you feel better about the world.’
The choir, with members aged between mid-30s and 80, used Zoom to rehearse, compose new songs and produce music videos by using green screens.
Dielle said: ‘With the wisdom of hindsight, it’s been really good to keep the group together. At no point have we stopped. Every single rehearsal that we would have done in person has taken place online and we’ve continued to do things. We’ve supported each other and they’re such a lovely group of people.’
The choir, which was set up with the intention of enhancing people’s quality of life, has now begun to take bookings for events, including the upcoming Wickham Village Fete.
One member of the choir, Bob Cheshire, ejoined the choir in February after
taking time away to care for his wife before she died.
The 69-year-old said he felt the choir helped his ‘mental condition’.
He said: ‘It’s a nice place to be with like-minded people.’
Another member, Carolyn Stallard from Hayling Island, said: ‘Singing together really is the tonic we needed over the last 18 months. I’ve been a member of the ‘Igloo family’ for 11 years and they’re a great bunch.’
The choir is currently seeking new members, and will be hosting an outdoor taster session at its studio at Mount Folly Nurseries in Wickham on Saturday, August 21. The choir also welcomes members of the public to make enquiries or book a taster session on their website at igloomusic.co.uk/.
We’ve supported each other and they’re such a lovely group of people.
Dielle Hannah