(as experienced by two ‘newbies’) *

It was Joseph’s Technicolour Dreamcoat that first drew us to Earls Barton Music (EBM). We read about the production online and were keen to join a community choir. So, along with a friend – a mad-keen musical fan – we bought tickets.

We loved the production. We were hooked! A few weeks later, we joined the EBM choir.

Gulp…

Was joining a 90-plus strong choir a leap too far? Had we bitten off more than we could chew?

Back story

We had previously been part of a small community choir based in London’s Waterloo. And when I say ‘small’, I mean small. With an optimistic full complement of about 20 people, it was smaller than EBM’s alto section. And comprised an eclectic mix of lovely – if sometimes slightly crazy – people! (Nothing changed there then!).

None of us read music (hold onto that fact) but, learning by rote – and patiently coached by our musical director – we produced a repertoire of lovely songs. Our signature tune was ‘Fix You’ by Coldplay. (A nice synergy then to discover that two of EBM’s Icons list included songs from the same band.)

The first rehearsal

Our first rehearsal gave us an inkling of what was to come. An initial list of 11 songs included hits from Tina Turner, the Mamas and the Papas, Lady Gaga and a Boy George/George Michael/Michael Jackson mash-up. Some of these had been re-worked by Helen, the deputy music director.

With only 10 weeks to learn the songs, we began to realise just how big a task we faced. A far cry from our much gentler Waterloo days!

Little did we know…

A couple of weeks into rehearsals, Jon (the music director) broke the news that another seven songs had been added to the list, including hits from Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, Madonna, and Bob Dylan. So, 18 songs to learn in 10 weeks…

Biting the bullet

We’ve both passed the stage when stepping outside our comfort zone is an exciting challenge (was it ever?!). For us it’s a no-brainer – I mean why would we do that when there are so many more enjoyable things to do!

But pushing aside our concerns – not reading music; lack of rehearsal time; new environment, etc – we decided to confront the challenges head on.

And, my goodness, it was worth it!

During the ensuing weeks, we sang along with some truly amazing, multi-talented people. People with beautiful voices who sang with confidence. People who also played the saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, flute and violin. The piano, guitar, drums, and even the cajon!

And this wonderful band of musicians added the extra ‘je ne sais quoi’ to the choir.

Elevating it from a group of good singers to a full-blown ‘blow-your-mind’ performance team. They’re fantastic, just amazing.

The concerts

Fate dictated that our concerts fell on three of the hottest days of the year, with outside temperatures reaching 33 degrees. At seven o’clock in the evening.

The concert hall was equally hot. And with a choir of nearly 90 people, an audience of 100, and spotlights all around, it was never going get much cooler!

Stiff (if slightly sweaty) upper lip

But we’re BRITISH and laugh in the face of such adversity – ha-ha-ha – and, like the troopers we are, went “once more unto the breach”.

And we were great!

Not perfect of course – nothing ever is. But we had lots of fun, and the audiences laughed at Jon’s world-renowned jokes, sang along with the songs, stamped in time to Queen’s ‘We will rock you’, and swayed majestically to ‘We are the champions’.

And they listened in awe, then cheered loudly, at the beautiful and moving instrumental numbers.

What’s not to like?

But what is a choir?

Much more than a bunch of lovely people who made us very welcome, Earls Barton Music is a group of hugely talented voices and musicians too. The complete package. Jon and Helen – both experienced, gifted musicians and composers – lead and guide the choir. They are the glue that melds all the parts into a harmonious single entity.

Our thanks, respect and applause go out to them both.

But EBM is also supported by a dedicated team of (largely unseen) helpers. Front-of- house, back-of-house, lighting and sound, refreshment teams, logistics experts, the choir committee and many more. All giving freely of their time, energy and resources.

Above and beyond, guys, above and beyond.

So… the final curtain or time for an encore?

Would we join again? Yes, I think we would. But we would have to pick the concerts with care. We both love singing and want to sing confidently and ‘correctly’. And we both love Elgar’s ‘Nimrod’ which is planned for the Remembrance Day concert.

But neither of us reads music, and singing is a huge step away from just listening. This puts us at a disadvantage and undermines our confidence. And with that, our enjoyment level.

But… that said, perhaps it’s time to step outside that comfort zone.

* Paul Higham and Sarah Taylor