Debbie Dumper – Rock Choir Plymouth
Debbie first discovered Rock Choir after a friend mentioned it to her. Curious to find out more, she searched online and decided to book herself onto a taster session with her local Rock Choir in Plymouth.
That one decision would go on to change her life in ways she never expected.
Taking the first step alone
For Debbie, walking into that very first rehearsal alone was a huge moment.
“The best thing I have ever done was to take the plunge and walk into that room alone on my taster session.”
Following the loss of her husband, Debbie had been struggling with loneliness and a loss of confidence. Joining Rock Choir became an important turning point.
“Rock Choir has helped me overcome the huge loss of losing my husband and feeling very lonely.”
The kindness and support from fellow Rockies helped her slowly rebuild confidence and begin enjoying life again.
Friendship, support and a new sense of confidence
One of the biggest things Debbie found through Rock Choir was friendship.
“Finding a new family of wonderful close friends.”
The welcoming atmosphere created by the choir community in Plymouth helped Debbie feel supported from the very beginning.
“The welcome I got from the leader and the prefects was invaluable.”
Over time, Rock Choir helped Debbie believe in herself again and encouraged her to keep trying new things.
“It gave me the momentum to keep on trying new things.”
Performing at the Edinburgh Fringe
Among Debbie’s favourite memories has been travelling to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
“Being at the Edinburgh Fringe was a wonderful experience.”
Known around the world as one of the largest arts festivals, the Edinburgh Fringe brings together performers and audiences from across the globe each summer.
For Debbie, though, it was not only the performances that made the experience special.
“Not just the singing but the friendship of everyone we met.”
“My life is so much richer for becoming a Rockie”
Looking back on her Rock Choir journey, Debbie says becoming a Rockie has brought confidence, friendship and happiness back into her life.
“It helped me gain my self confidence again.”
What began as simply attending a taster session has become something life-changing, helping Debbie reconnect with herself through singing, community and shared experiences.
“My life is so much richer for becoming a Rockie.”
