A new community choir has launched in Forest Gate, encouraging residents to experience the joy of singing.
Forest Gate Singers are running weekly sessions every Wednesday evening at St Saviour’s Church in MacDonald Road.
Led by conductor Seb Marshall, who has recently moved to Forest Gate, the choir is open to everyone regardless of experience.
'A fantastic way of bringing together people from all backgrounds'
The group will practice a rich variety of music from folk to classical, pop, jazz and everything in between.
Mr Marshall told the Citizen: “Community choirs are a fantastic way of bringing together people from all backgrounds and experiences to share in the joy of singing.
“We will use a combination of sheet music and learning by ear - so you really don’t need to have sung in a choir before to join us.”
Conducting two other choirs and three orchestras throughout the week, Mr Marshall often witnesses the sense of community that can develop through a shared love of music.
He said: “Choirs offer a great opportunity to meet like-minded people from your area.
“Singing can have huge mental health benefits and releases all sorts of positive hormones, but singing with other people is the epitome of that.
“You’re sharing long term or short term goals - whether that is nailing a specific song by the end of the rehearsal or getting ready for a performance you’re proud of at the end of the term. If you’re not a confident singer, your goal might just be to give it a go.”
Eight rehearsals will make up the first term of the Forest Gate Singers before the choir give their debut performance on 3 December.
Mr Marshall said: “We welcome everyone from all backgrounds and don’t want people to be put off by what they think a choir should look like. If you’re on the fence just come and have a go and see how you feel.”
Forest Gate Singers is the latest addition to a growing family of community choirs founded by award-winning conductor Hannah Brine.
Ms Brine was responsible for setting up the Victoria Park Singers over 12 years ago that rehearses each week in Hackney and performs regularly in public.
She also set up the Finsbury Park Singers and Walthamstow Singers, as well as choirs in Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire. Her choirs have performed at the BBC Proms and the Royal Variety Show.
Ms Brine said: "There is a great appetite for singing here in East London and singing as part of a group is great for our mental health too.
“Forest Gate Singers will be accessible and friendly and will give people an opportunity to sing a wide range of repertoire.
“As an experienced conductor, Seb can help those who have never sung in a choir, or who might not have sung for a long time, to gain confidence and control using their voice.”
