2012-06-20 09:55
HUNDREDS of singers will be making their major theatre debut next month when they perform on the Derby Theatre stage.
They are all members of Rock Choir, an organisation which can make pop stars of us all.
Rock Choir has choirs based all around the country and is open to everyone. There are no auditions; everyone is simply encouraged to have a go and, most importantly of all, enjoy themselves.
Locally, there are choirs in Derby, Belper, Ashbourne and Beeston, Run by Kate Benson, a classically trained pianist, singer and clarinettist with a degree in music from Nottingham Trent University.
The choirs have been rehearsing since September but Kate says it's not just their singing which has grown in that time.
"What's lovely is seeing the camaraderie between them all. They were a bunch of strangers in September and now they all know wach other and they give each other support. They learn the songs quicker too, because they're getting better. Everything just gets better all the time."
What Kate loves about the choir is its inclusive nature.
"It's open to absolutely everyone. They come along for the first session, nervous as anything, and leave on a complete high. They're learning but they're also making friends, getting that buzz that you can only get from singing in a massive group. If you've never had that experience, it's something to try.
"When I was at school. people were being told they weren't good enough for choirs and the whole ethos of Rock Choir is exactly the opposite.
"Everyone can sing; it's just some people are naturally better at it than others. A lot of it is about confidence. We build people up and give them the confidence to sing their hearts out."
Rock Choir is a family organisation launched by Caroline Redman Lusher in Surrey in 2005. Now there are nearly 200 groups around the country, making Rock Choir the world's largest amateur choir. It has also won two Guinness World Records and released two best-selling albums.
The Derby Theatre performance is the choir's first big show.
"It's going to be great,," says Kate. "It will appeal to the people who like singing and appreciate big choirs singing fun songs. It's an energised, fun evening."
On the programme is a selection of pop songs, including an Abba medley, Dancing In The Street, The Shoop Shoop Song, Something Inside So Strong and Oh Happy Day.
"That one's brilliant," adds Kate. "Hopefully, we'll get the audience involved in that one because it goes down so well. But the whole show will be great fun. Rock Choir live, for one night only. Come and see what all the fuss is about."
SEE THE SHOW:
Where: Derby Theatre
When: July 21st, 2.30pm and 8pm
Tickets: £10
Box Office: 01332 593 939
