Community choir’s confidence shows in debut concert

A community choir group has pulled out all the stops for its first formal showcase concert.

A 22-year-old music graduate from Thatcham set up the choir sessions for both adults and children in January in a bid to “create a fun environment” through song.

At the end of the ‘Sing Louder’ adult sessions and ‘Sing a Little Louder’ children sessions, which ran from January to March, the choirs had the chance to perform for their friends and family.

Hannah Maskell said: “Everyone did so well.

“The audience were really pleased to see their loved ones singing, it was really fun.”

The event, held on July 14 at the Frank Hutchins Hall in Thatcham, saw some publicly sing for the first time in decades.

Miss Maskell added: “Somebody told me last time she sang she was seven-years old, now she is in her 60s. It was quite amazing.

“We have a wonderful old gentleman, I asked him to read poems and they were just so moving and so beautiful.”

A variety of songs were performed from the children and young people – aged between seven and 14-years-old.

They performed Ugly Heart by GRL, How Far I’ll Go from Disney hit Moana and Just Sing from animated film Trolls 2.

The Southampton University graduate said that the song choices would allow young people to “explore” music.

“Our youngest was seven-years-old and she was just amazing,” she added.

Miss Maskell said that the sessions are a great way for her students, who are from all areas of West Berkshire, to have a “laugh” and a “joke” as well as do some singing.

She commented on the cathartic effect it can have and how each person will benefit differently.

“It benefits me just as much as it benefits everyone else,” she added.

“It is just amazing to see how singing helps people. For some it helps to come and watch the choir sing and for others it’s the singing that helps them.”

Miss Maskell said she intends to continue with her classes.

For more details visit the Sing Louder Facebook page at @singlouderchoir or email singlouderchoir@gmail.com

Both children and adult sessions are held every Thursday at the Frank Hutchins Hall.