Commuity Gospel Choir hits the high concert notes
A community is united through the power of song.
More than 100 singers make up the Salvation Army’s Ayr Community Gospel Choir - the biggest in Ayr.
And Troon Concert Hall echoed with their voices for a special fundraiser along with the West Scotland Divisional Youth Band. It generated £3,000 earlier this month.
Sergeant Major Robin Black said: “The aim is to get people together and give back to those who need support. It is also about proving that not all Christians have a 15 foot Bible. Christianity is not about telling people what they can’t do. It is about people getting on with each other in the community.”
And he described the repertoire as “uplifting and varied.”
As well as religious music the choir belts out numbers from musicals Sister Act and Guys and Dolls and is made up of those from a variety of faiths.
The choir has been up and running for about eight years and has raised more than £60,000 for charity. Cash from the most recent event in Troon on June 3 will be split between the RNLI and The Salvation Army’s Summer Music School.
Reflecting on the success of the vocalists, Sergeant Major Black said: “The choir would never have worked if it was not embraced by the community. It doesn’t matter what religion you are or political persuasion. It proves people can come together and have a common purpose.
Bobby Irvine is the leader and musical director of the Salvation Army.