A member's story

by Malcolm Hill.

I joined the choir as a second tenor a few months ago after thinking about it for a very long time and only wish I had joined years ago as it has proved to be a source of constant pleasure to me, not only in the experience from voices blending in harmony but also from the welcome, friendship, humour and comradeship received. I freely recommend it to any man who would like to join, or to past members who would like to return.
Everyone is welcome.

 All my initial fears on joining the choir quickly disappeared, although I did listen for some time before joining in. I found experienced choir members from bass, baritone to tenor who are excellent mentors to new members without experience such as myself. No audition is required and you do not have to read music. You will soon find the correct place for your voice in the choir. Practice CD's and song sheets are provided free and the choir practice is held every Monday evening at Jacksdale, other than on Bank Holidays.

Belonging to the choir is inexpensive unlike many other hobbies and interests and as you get to know other members from your locality, it is often possible to share transport to choir practice and concerts. Unless you have sung with a male voice choir before it is difficult to describe the feeling when the choir harmonises and after practice masters a song. It is simply exhilarating. If you suffer from tension, stress or depression from living in the modern world, it is the best tonic you will find to help relieve your symptoms and put a smile on your face. 

The choir sings many well known songs, pop - classics and songs from musicals, shows and films. Soon I will be measured for my jacket and although I have sung in concert once for practice and experience, I know that when I put on the jacket of the Pye Hill and District Male Voice Choir for the first time, that it will be a special moment for me which I will be proud of. As I do this I will think of numerous people who have sung in the choir over the year's and I am aware of the importance and heritage of the choir to the musical culture of the locality.

The second photograph is of our most recent recruits, John Hickman, Baritone and Sean Burns, Second Tenor, who have brought a younger feel to the choir. Both regularly attend rehearsals and have already performed in a number of concerts. John and Shaun are really enjoying being part of the choir and wish to encourage and help other new members.