A new community choir has launched in the West Wight, offering Islanders of all ages and abilities the chance to come together, make new friends and enjoy singing in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Isle of Voices has been set up by Kerry Taylor, who hopes to bring people together through music, regardless of their singing ability or previous experience.
The choir meets every Sunday between 18:00 and 20:00 at Totland Village Hall, with everyone encouraged to come along and give singing a go.
Kerry says she has always loved singing and the idea of bringing people together through music, but was initially unsure whether her new venture would attract any interest.
Speaking about the launch of Isle of Voices, Kerry said:
“I’ve always loved singing and the idea of bringing people together through music, and recently I decided to take the plunge and start a community choir of my own.
“I honestly had no idea whether anyone would actually turn up, so seeing people come along to our first session was such an amazing and humbling experience.
“The whole idea behind Isle of Voices is to create a friendly, welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities can come together, have fun, make new friends and enjoy singing.
Article continues below this advertisement “You absolutely don’t need to be an amazing singer or have any previous choir experience – it’s about giving it a go, enjoying yourself and being part of something positive within the community.”
Those attending can expect to learn songs together, try different harmonies and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, with opportunities to socialise over a cup of tea or coffee.
Refreshments are also available at the sessions, thanks to support from Helen at Freshwater Tesco.
Although the choir is still in its early days, Kerry is hopeful it will continue to grow and become a valued part of the West Wight community.
She added:
“We’ve only just started, but I’m really excited about where Isle of Voices could go and hopefully building something that becomes a real part of the local community.”
Sessions cost just £2 per person, with no auditions or previous singing experience required.
Children under the age of 16 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Anyone interested in joining Isle of Voices can simply turn up at Totland Village Hall on a Sunday evening between 18:00 and 20:00.
