Bev Walsh – Rock Choir Saddleworth
Bev’s Rock Choir story began long before she ever attended a rehearsal.
Many years ago, she watched the ITV documentary The Choir That Rocks, which followed members and shared their experiences of being part of Rock Choir.
“It was wonderful and I was desperate to be a part of it.”
Unfortunately, there was not a local Rock Choir in her area at the time, so she had to wait patiently for the opportunity.
That opportunity finally arrived when she spotted an article in a local newspaper announcing a brand-new choir in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester.
“I was absolutely over the moon.”
Fourteen years later, Bev is still singing and still loves every minute of it.
A lifetime of singing
For Bev, singing has always been an important part of life.
“It’s who I am.”
As a child, she sang in school choirs before successfully auditioning for the Oldham Junior Singers and later the Oldham Youth Choir.
However, nursing, family life and shift work eventually meant stepping away from choir singing for many years.
Joining Rock Choir helped her reconnect with something she had missed deeply.
“It made me realise how much I’d missed singing and how important it was for me.”
A Beatles fan at Abbey Road
Although Bev has enjoyed countless memorable experiences with Rock Choir, one stands above the rest.
“The first time I went to record at Abbey Road.”
As a lifelong Beatles fan, the experience was especially meaningful. Abbey Road Studios became world famous through its association with The Beatles, who recorded much of their later catalogue there, including the iconic album Abbey Road.
“It was very special to me.”
The experience was emotional, memorable and something she treasures to this day.
“I loved every minute of the whole experience.”
Extraordinary opportunities through music
Over the years, Bev has performed at some remarkable venues and events.
Her Rock Choir journey has included singing at The Bridgewater Hall, the Royal Northern College of Music, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Christmas Markets in France and Belgium, and recording at Abbey Road Studios on three separate occasions.
She has also performed alongside well-known artists including Russell Watson and Aled Jones at the Opera House in Manchester.
Looking back, she says it is difficult to choose a single highlight because there have been so many unforgettable moments.
Friendship, purpose and wellbeing
Beyond the performances, Bev believes Rock Choir offers something much deeper.
“It forms friendships and gives people purpose to their lives.”
She values the kindness, support and sense of belonging that come from being part of a local Rock Choir community.
After fourteen years, she still speaks passionately about the positive impact singing has on wellbeing and happiness.
“I can’t tell people how happy it makes me and how important it is.”
For Bev, joining Rock Choir was the opportunity she had waited years for, and one that continues to enrich her life every week.
