A FORMER head of drama has reprised Basingstoke’s long-running community choir Sing for Fun.

Hannah Baron, who was a previous member of the group for four years, has recently taken over management from Jane Bibb who has moved to France.

Hannah said: “The choir has been established since 2004 and has become well known for its performances at local events, as well as further afield.

SEE ALSO: Mother and her kittens rescued from property left in 'horrific state' with litter piled floor to ceiling

“The members have created life-long friendships and so when Jane announced her move there was genuine sadness that an era was coming to an end.

“As someone who had enjoyed being a part of this musical community, I felt I could pick up the conductor’s baton and help make sure this group gets to celebrate its 20-year anniversary.”

As lockdown hit the choir went online, allowing its members to continue to learn, improving their vocal skills and understanding, and even recording a few numbers.

But Hannah, who has directed and produced many school musicals, singing groups and choirs in her 15 years as a drama teacher, was keen to get in-person singing going again as soon as she could and has since revived the weekly sessions.

She added: “The health benefits from singing are well documented – from it being a great workout for your lungs, to improving mental alertness and helping to lower stress. Coming together online was really important, helping us to remain connected throughout the lockdowns – it was a real reminder that communal singing taps into something quite ancient in our humanity, something that almost all people do everywhere and have done throughout time. It’s not about perfection or performing, it’s about the act of coming together and creating.

“We don’t hold auditions, there are no solos; Sing for Fun’s ethos has always been about the amazing sound we can make together, as a choir, by people who perhaps wouldn’t consider themselves ‘singers’ or ‘performers’. You don’t have to be able to read music, you don’t even have to have sung before. So many people who have come along previously didn’t think they could sing… and yet they have found their voices within a group of supportive people.

“We sing in two, three or four part harmonies, so there is a part for every range of voice. But we don’t label people sopranos, altos, tenors and basses – everyone can choose and switch between the parts they sing for each song we learn. This approach really helps people to develop their range and also try something new… just for fun! There is online supported learning too, with recorded tracks to listen and practise to between sessions.

“I write our arrangements, so the songs are unique to us as a group – and variety is key, everything from a capella and musicals to modern and classic pop. For instance, last term we learned 1930s song Dream a Little Dream, the most known version being the 1960s Mamas and Papas’ hit version, and then at the other end of the scale I wrote a piano version of the club anthem Titanium.”

READ MORE: Eastrop parking charges given go-ahead despite only one person supporting plans

The group has regularly appeared at Highclere Castle, The Newbury Show, The Hawk Conservancy Trust and at Christmas events throughout Berkshire and Hampshire and have even been to London and Italy.

Currently Hannah runs weekly term-time sessions in Basingstoke on Monday evenings at Castle Hill Primary School on Winklebury Way and soon will be starting Thursday evenings in Andover.

She added: If you’re a bit hesitant, I encourage you to come along for a free taster session so you can meet us and find out more about what we do. The sessions are fun, relaxed and full of friendly, welcoming people who just love to sing for fun. There is no pressure to join the performance choir… that’s just an added bonus for those who want to.”

For more information, visit: www.singforfun.co.uk.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.