From Jan & Paul.... March 2014
My husband and I (no I'm not the queen lol), moved to Nottinghamshire from the cold North East Coast just over 6 months ago. I've performed since being young, and used to teach performing arts, many moons ago. I first saw a little ad in our local Focus Magazine, I hadn't sang for years so was aprehensive. After much deliberation, I plucked up the courage to phone Ro. It's the best decision I ever made, I was made most welcome, and it has been a wonderful way to get to know people. Now a few months on, I feel like I have been part of the choir since it started 18 months ago, and after months of accompanying me, and sitting reading a book, whilst we rehearsed. My husband Paul, has now been bitten by the bug and joined too. So I am thrilled to also share this with him. It's fantastic, I look forward to it each week. Dave's easy approach with the choir, makes for an enjoyable and humerous more often than not rehearsal. You don't need to be a fantastic singer, just share the love of singing, music, friendship and fun. All of which you will certainly find with the Rock 'n' Soul singers.
My husband and I (no I'm not the queen lol), moved to Nottinghamshire from the cold North East Coast just over 6 months ago. I've performed since being young, and used to teach performing arts, many moons ago. I first saw a little ad in our local Focus Magazine, I hadn't sang for years so was aprehensive. After much deliberation, I plucked up the courage to phone Ro. It's the best decision I ever made, I was made most welcome, and it has been a wonderful way to get to know people. Now a few months on, I feel like I have been part of the choir since it started 18 months ago, and after months of accompanying me, and sitting reading a book, whilst we rehearsed. My husband Paul, has now been bitten by the bug and joined too. So I am thrilled to also share this with him. It's fantastic, I look forward to it each week. Dave's easy approach with the choir, makes for an enjoyable and humerous more often than not rehearsal. You don't need to be a fantastic singer, just share the love of singing, music, friendship and fun. All of which you will certainly find with the Rock 'n' Soul singers.
From Sally.... March 2014
Recently joined the choir and have been made to feel very welcome. There is a really friendly atmosphere and people don't take themselves too seriously which has helped me as I have not sung in a choir since school! The experienced singers and the choir master however really know their stuff and so I think I have made progress already, its amazing how quickly you pick up the songs. |
From Corinne.... March 2014
I had tried a couple of different choirs before I chose to join the Rock n Soul singers in December last year. It was such a welcoming group and there was friendly banter woven between times of great concentration and laughter. Although I can feel uncomfortable in big groups, I feel at home here. The music is very varied and gives me a challenge, especially as I cannot read music. I have sung in different choirs and groups before but I have never been able to a sing in harmony like this before. I really enjoy my weekly night out now. Lastly the group is ran very professionally with Dave's excellent leadership and some loyal helpers. Thank you all. |
From Marion C.... April 2014
One Wednesday evening I plucked up the courage to open the door of St Michaels Church, Underwood, where, apparently, a choir met to rehearse. Thinking, “Here goes,” I walked in. How wonderful it turned out to be; not only was I made most welcome but a wonderful atmosphere prevailed. There was humour and laughter, some people knew me and I knew them, and when I left I felt really happy. Oh! and by the way, we did a lot of singing! All musical tastes are catered for and maestro Dave Gibbon excels at getting the best out of each individual despite, in my case, being somewhat rusty. I sincerely hope that when we perform our concerts we can count on strong support as the proceeds benefit local charities and the local community. |
From Marion B..... May 2015
Hello David, I'm very much enjoying my time in the choir - it is the right choir for me. Thank you. I am enjoying the challenges of the songs and feel I am learning and improving. As a conductor you are great: just the right approach. I am making new friends and feel I belong. Thank you. My daughter is in the Halifax Choral Society and my husband is in two choirs so I have some competition! Regards and many thanks. |
From Tony May 2015
A friend of mine was already in the choir and suggested it might be something I’d enjoy. I agreed but unfortunately the day I had planned to go to my first practice, ended up being the day I was made redundant from work. I’ve always enjoyed singing but I certainly didn’t feel like singing that day after that and decided to cancel.
However, a few weeks later and after being reminded regularly by my friend who clearly knew me better than I did myself, I did finally give the choir a try. I was amazed how friendly everyone was and was made to feel welcome straight away. It was a real lift for me and a welcome distraction learning something new and different. What struck me in my first few practice nights was the accent was clearly on enjoyment. Although you are learning you are doing it with a smile on your face. Dave, the choir master’s approach seems to work for me, in that we don’t get bogged down in too much precise detail before we are all more familiar with the our parts of the song. That way you’re taking things a step at a time but still doing plenty of singing!
My un- employed period dragged on for longer than I’d expected but Dave and other members of the choir continued to give me plenty of support and something positive to focus on. One thing is for sure it doesn’t seem to matter how bad a day you are having after rehearsal you feel always come out feeling completely elated.
Happily, although I’m now back in work, being in the choir has continued to be a source of great enjoyment for me and a welcome distraction to the day to day routine.
A friend of mine was already in the choir and suggested it might be something I’d enjoy. I agreed but unfortunately the day I had planned to go to my first practice, ended up being the day I was made redundant from work. I’ve always enjoyed singing but I certainly didn’t feel like singing that day after that and decided to cancel.
However, a few weeks later and after being reminded regularly by my friend who clearly knew me better than I did myself, I did finally give the choir a try. I was amazed how friendly everyone was and was made to feel welcome straight away. It was a real lift for me and a welcome distraction learning something new and different. What struck me in my first few practice nights was the accent was clearly on enjoyment. Although you are learning you are doing it with a smile on your face. Dave, the choir master’s approach seems to work for me, in that we don’t get bogged down in too much precise detail before we are all more familiar with the our parts of the song. That way you’re taking things a step at a time but still doing plenty of singing!
My un- employed period dragged on for longer than I’d expected but Dave and other members of the choir continued to give me plenty of support and something positive to focus on. One thing is for sure it doesn’t seem to matter how bad a day you are having after rehearsal you feel always come out feeling completely elated.
Happily, although I’m now back in work, being in the choir has continued to be a source of great enjoyment for me and a welcome distraction to the day to day routine.