New Dudley & Netherton Show Choir brings an uplifting sense of connection

The People’s Show Choir(TPSC) has launched a new singing group in Dudley & Netherton with a passionate choir leader, keen to help others feel the joy that comes from creating music. Here’s a look at what you can expect and how it came about.

TPSC is already popular in the Black Country so when the charity was allocated funding to focus on Dudley & Netherton, it jumped at the chance.

It’s not just about singing for TPSC, which is a sister organisation of The People’s Orchestra(TPO), but also about creating a friendly community and activity that can help reduce social isolation and loneliness, along with improve mental health for people from any background, any age.

The choirs also provide a brief respite away from busy lives; a kind of singing therapy that helps people relax and make new friends, whether they are a full-time mum or stressed by a day job.

With that in mind, support to set up the new branch of TPSC in Dudley & Netherton has come from the government, Dudley & Netherton Metropolitan Borough Council and West Midlands Combined Authority.

Singers have already started attending the new Dudley & Netherton show choir, which meets every Monday from 7.30pm to 9pm in Primrose Hill Community Church in Chapel Street, Netherton. The doors are always open for more members if you’re interested in experiencing a free trial for two weeks.

No audition is necessary and the choir is open to those who have never sung a note before to those who are regular singers.

Meet the Dudley & Netherton Choir Leader

Dudley & Netherton’s Choir Leader Catherine Wyatt is thrilled to see new members quickly getting to grips with TPSC’s repertoire of uplifting, contemporary songs – from pop hits and movie favourites. Expect anything from a Disney musical to Ed Sheeran or David Bowie classics.

“The new Dudley & Netherton choir is a really nice group, who are very positive,” said Catherine. “I’m loving it.

“There’s a real mix of singers from older people to women in their 40s and 50s who are coming along with their mums, which is lovely. There’s a young woman fresh from graduating from university, so all kinds of people – although, it’s a bit low on men at this point.”

As a primary school teacher for the past 20 years, Catherine has led many school choirs and is now focusing on bringing the joy of singing to adults. Music is part of her daily life and she also plays violin for the Sinfonia of Birmingham, a leading chamber orchestra based at The CBSO Centre in Birmingham.

“I grew up singing along with playing violin and piano and went on to do a music degree and masters,” explains Catherine, who now edits music as a freelancer.

“I love leading the Dudley & Netherton choir because I can use a skill that I’ve got to teach others something they can’t do yet.

“All my free time has always been spent with orchestras, but now I’m hoping to build up this choir in both numbers and confidence.

“Many people say ‘I can’t sing’, ‘I’ve never done it before’ or ‘I’ve got a terrible voice’. I know it can feel really daunting to sing in front of other people in the beginning – feel exposed. So, I want to nurture this choir to make them feel they can do it.

“There’s nothing like being in a room with people and making music together and the feeling you get from that. That feeling of being surrounded in harmony.

“When you’re singing one part and someone is doing something else, but it sounds really good together. It’s something you can’t do on your own, it’s all about doing something with other people and that connection you get.

“You don’t need to say anything, the singing says it all.

“This choir is just for fun, no-one will be judging you. Mistakes are welcome as everyone is here to learn.”

Karen Joynes is one of the regular members of The People’s Show Choir group nearby in Halesowen and gave words of encouragement to those who were interested but also shy or nervous of taking part.

“If you’re toying with the idea of going along, it’s definitely worth giving it a try,” commented Karen. “I’m in the Halesowen choir and it’s like an extended family. Loads of laughs and some beautiful singing.”

The People’s Show Choir is a ‘welcoming’ Dudley & Netherton venue

To spread the word about the new choir, a Come And Sing day was held at Halesowen Town Hall in mid-February and saw around 80 people drop in. It gave those interested in signing up a chance to find out more about TPSC and its sister organisation The People’s Orchestra(TPO), as well as have a go at singing.

The Black Country open day was so successful, it even attracted people who signed up to become new members of other TPSCs in Wolverhampton, Bearwood, Halesowen and Shrewsbury.
Chris Weber, Community Engagement Manager for TPSC, said: “The new Dudley & Netherton choir is in a lovely venue. It’s the community hall of the church where lots of community groups meet, so it has a welcoming homely feel to it with sofas and a coffee shop.

“We tend to launch new choirs where there is a social need for one. I’m always optimistic when we start new choirs that they are going to do well.

“You have to give it time and when word of mouth gets around about a choir, they are normally well supported. We’ve had a lovely start in Dudley & Netherton and it’s got the potential to be a really nice one for us.”

Choir member Claire Lambert has been popping into the Dudley & Netherton choir along with the Walsall and Sutton Coldfield TPSCs.

“There was a a bit of nerves among new members at first but I could hear the harmonies coming through as everyone got settled in,” explained Claire.

“There’s no pressure and many people there haven’t been in a choir before. A lot of people were saying how they’d always wanted to sing and thought they’d give it a try.

“What’s great is that everyone is happy and there’s a really friendly atmosphere at the Dudley & Netherton choir already.”

The People’s Show Choir in Dudley & Netherton is a fun, friendly community choir for adults of all ages. No auditions, no need to read music and no experience required. The choir meets every Monday in term time from 7.30pm to 9pm at Primrose Hill Community Church, Chapel Street, Netherton, DY2 9PN.

Newcomers can try it out with two free sessions before they commit to paying  £22 a month, or £14 a month for concessions including students, job seekers and those receiving benefit support. Find out more about the new People’s Show Choir in Dudley & Netherton here.