Yesterday I ran a “taster session” at the Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in Devizes, with a view to setting up a new workplace choir. The opportunity was sent my way by my good friend Jemma Brown who runs The Invitation Theatre Company in Devizes. Having discussed the concept on email with one of the staff there, we agreed a date to run a trial session to see what interest there was.
Not entirely sure what to expect, I arrived at the appointed time with a random selection of music and a few ideas for “ice breakers”. At this point I had no idea how many were coming nor what voices we might have, nor indeed whether anyone would be able to sing! However, my fears were soon allayed when at precisely 12.30 a crowd of people made there way into the conference room. In fact we had 20 turn up for this first gathering which was extremely promising!
After a brief introduction (who is this random bloke who has turned up wanting to start a choir?) we started to sing a few songs mainly in the round and before too long there was some harmony in the room! Musical harmony that is! The first session ran for about an hour and everyone seemed to be having a great time.
I heard today that the taster session was a success and the choir has been given the go ahead to meet on a weekly basis. I have a lot of plans for this group which will ultimately include various performances around Wiltshire to fundraise for the NHS. Watch this space for updates. In the meantime I also have to start preparing for my other new NHS Choir at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon which starts on Thursday this week.