Welcome to Meet a Member, a new series introducing some of the people who make Simply Singing what it is.
We know that walking into a choir for the first time can sometimes feel a little daunting. So, over the coming months, we'll be introducing members from across Simply Singing, sharing their stories, what they enjoy about singing with us and the friendly faces you might meet when you come along.
And we're starting with Yvonne from our afternoon group.
When Yvonne retired after 30 years working for the same company, she suddenly found herself with a lot more time on her hands and was looking for something new. A couple of months later, in September 2024, she joined Simply Singing.
Since then, Wednesday afternoons have brought new songs, new experiences and, most importantly, new friendships.
A new chapter
Retirement can be a big change, particularly after spending so many years in the same workplace. For Yvonne, joining Simply Singing came at just the right time.
“I joined Simply Singing in September 2024, just a couple of months after retiring from 30 years of working for the same company and suddenly finding myself with a lot of free time and feeling a little bit lost.”
She decided to give our afternoon group a try, and hasn't looked back.
“I have enjoyed every rehearsal since.”
People come to Simply Singing for all sorts of reasons. Some have sung for years, some simply enjoy music, and others are looking for something new to become part of.
For Yvonne, that first rehearsal marked the beginning of something new.
More than just the music
There has, of course, been plenty of singing along the way.
Yvonne has enjoyed learning new songs with the group, but some of what she values most about Simply Singing has happened around the music too.
“I have made new friends, had a great deal of fun learning new songs, and even singing with a brass band in concert.”
That's one of the lovely things about singing together. A weekly rehearsal can lead to friendships, performances and experiences you might never have expected when you first walked through the door.
And there doesn't have to be one particular favourite song. For Yvonne, it's simply the enjoyment of singing that matters.
Thinking about giving it a go?
If you've found yourself wondering whether joining a choir is really for you, Yvonne has some simple advice:
“If, like me, you like to sing along with the radio, in the car, in the shower on your own or working in the house, then give Simply Singing a go.”
You don't need to arrive knowing all the songs, and there's no expectation that you'll get everything right immediately.
As Yvonne puts it:
“No audition, no pressure and no expectation.”
Perhaps being someone who simply loves singing along is qualification enough.
A final word
We're delighted that Yvonne agreed to be the very first member featured in Meet a Member — and this is only the beginning.
Over the coming months, we'll be introducing more of the people behind Simply Singing, from newer members to familiar faces who have been singing with us for years.
We hope the series gives you a glimpse of what our choir community is really like — and, if you're considering joining us, means there are already a few familiar faces when you walk through the door for the first time.
Already a Simply Singing member? We'd love to feature more of you. Keep an eye out at rehearsals for opportunities to take part in a future Meet a Member.
And if you're not a member yet? Perhaps Yvonne's story has encouraged you to give it a go.
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