Voices Unlimited Blog #1

I'm a Choir Director! Why am I Starting a Blog?

In a recent chat with our Voices Unlimited Marketing Executive (better known as Jody from my choir), she suggested I start a blog. So, here’s my inaugural attempt at writing something informative and, hopefully, entertaining about choirs and choral singing in Brighton and Hove.

Joyful Singing – and Plenty of Tea!

The first thing to say is: I believe singing should be joyful, whatever the style of music. After that, it should be social. There should be as much laughing as singing, and plenty of tea and biscuits!

Our Lovely Home – St Andrew’s Old Church

My choir, Voices Unlimited, is a ladies' community choir based in Brighton (Hove actually). Although it’s a secular affair, we’re lucky to rehearse in the beautiful St Andrew’s Old Church—one of the oldest and most special buildings in the area. The history and grandeur of the church add a unique resonance to our rehearsals. The high, vaulted ceilings carry our harmonies in ways that make us feel (occasionally!) like we’re singing in a cathedral, though it might also give us a slightly false sense of our own talent at times!

This setting also means my choir members naturally divide themselves into their parts and then don’t all get up to have tea at the back of the church. So the sopranos know the sopranos, and the altos know the altos.

The Old Parish Church in Hove, United Kingdom. Home of Voices Unlimited Choir.

New Faces, Old Friends

I have thought about employing games and ways to mix things up, but anything other than sitting comfortably in their pews (that’s a contradiction in terms) seems to make everyone slightly awkward and self-conscious. (Wait till I suggest choreography!!).

Voices Unlimited started in 2016 as a small(ish) group, growing mostly through word of mouth—friends of friends joining in. These days, we’ve been delighted to welcome even more new faces, thanks in part to Jody’s tireless efforts as our Voices Unlimited Marketing Executive. She’s been posting regularly on our Facebook and Instagram pages, giving people a lovely window into our choir’s world. This has led, very happily, to several new members who don't know anyone but have bravely decided to dive headfirst into Voices Unlimited - Good on them! But….. my choir now struggle to remember each other's names, which makes me a bit sad.

Keeping the Friendliness Alive

As our choir grows, how do I keep the intimacy and friendliness that’s always been there?

Don’t get me wrong—no one is unfriendly! We just don’t get to know each other as quickly as we used to. Our annual summer concert in June will definitely bring a sense of camaraderie as we work towards performing in front of an audience. For a start, I get much more detailed and exacting, so they’ll probably unite in communal moaning about their esteemed choir leader (me!).

We have a WhatsApp group where details are posted and everyone can share thoughts and ideas (within reason—it’s not a democracy!). This helps new members see names and connect, but on Monday evenings, they still sit safely in their parts: Sops and Altos, and never the twain shall meet!

A Simple Solution

So, what am I going to do about it? I’m going to move the tea to the front of the church. GENIUS!

Love from 💋💋 Lesley💋💋

‘Esteemed’ Choir Director – Voices Unlimited

👉 P.S. If you’re looking for a fun, friendly ladies' community choir in Hove or Brighton, come and join us. We’d love to meet you!

👉 P.P.S. Oh yes, and please join us at our summer concert, grab yourself and your friends and family tickets now!

🎶 Summer Spectacular Concert

🗓️ 28th June at 7:00 pm

📍 St Andrew’s Old Church, Hove – join us in one of the most historic and atmospheric venues in the area for a night of joyful music!