Singing in harmony

Choir show their soul

The good folk of Arran are showing they have soul in their hearts and a voice to rejoice. And they have honed that energy into creating the island’s latest singing phenomenon - the Arran Soul Choir.

And after months of rehearsals they have just announced a summer date for their first public performance which will be held in the community theatre in Lamlash next month.

Having formed in January this year, the choir have been diligently rehearsing a retinue of songs, both classic and modern, under the tutelage of James O’Neil, faculty leader of music at Arran High School. He is joined by assistant musical director David Lambert and administrator Carolyn Lambert who helps to organise proceedings, as well as taking part in the choir which meets every Thursday on a drop-in basis.

James said: ‘The choir is open to everyone of all ages and all abilities; it is an informal setting with no weekly commitment required and no auditions to join. We are a fun and uplifting choir with the sole purpose of singing and making music together.

‘Our concert will showcase the singing talents of the group and the hard work which everyone has been putting in over the last few months. It will also be a great deal of fun and I encourage everyone to attend this great community event.’

Friendly

The choir meets every Thursday in the community theatre where, from 7pm to 8.30pm, as many as 50-plus people gather in a friendly, supportive, no-pressure environment where they can sing, or watch, a wide repertoire from Lady GaGa to Abba and the Beatles. And during a mid-session break the choir members enjoy a chat over a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

* The Arran Soul Choir concert will be held in the community theatre on Tuesday June 27 at 7.30pm.

01_B18choir05 Members of the choir spontaneously break into dance during a favourite song.

01_B18choir08 Baritones provide the singing voices between tenor and base.

01_B18choir06 James O’Neil leads the choir while David Lambert expertly plays the piano.

01_B18choir01 Choir members quench their parched throats during the sociable tea and coffee break.

01_B18choir07 The soprano section belt out a song which has the members dancing and tapping their feet.

01_B18choir02 Choir leader James O’Neil sings and plays the piano during the chorus of Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive.

01_B18choir03 More than 50 members can take part on a typical evening rehearsal.