The launch of a new contemporary community choir in Castle Donington, should be music to the ears for many and promises to be a welcome distraction from a world of negative news.

 

‘Escapism’, a ‘boost’ and a ‘lifeline’ are all words used by Got 2 Sing Choir members to describe what being in a choir means to them. And now the people of Derby will have the opportunity to experience it for themselves when the choir opens its latest venue in Castle Donnington in just under two weeks time.

 

Choir Leader Amanda Bonsall commented, “Never has there been a greater need to focus on your health and happiness, to recoup that ‘feel good factor’ and joining a choir is the perfect solution!”

 

The Choir opens Monday 9th May at Castle Donington College and an invitation to attend a ‘free taster’ has been thrown open to the community to experience the joy of singing on its opening night. Anyone aged 18 plus is welcome– you don’t have to be able to sing, read music and, better still, there is no audition.

Amanda believes that singing can support a sense of being part of society and increase your self-esteem and added, “The feel-good factor and health benefits associated with singing are well documented. It elates you, believed to come from the release of endorphins – hormones associated with feelings of pleasure. Oxytocin is also released, which has been found to alleviate anxiety and stress which may lessen feelings of depression and loneliness.”

 

She added, “We are not just a traditional ‘stand behind the music’ type of choir – we sing and we have lots of fun in the process! We take popular songs, including Motown, pop and gospel and bring them to life with harmony and simple movement. We love performing too – and this may include anything from an outdoor flash-mob to a Paris choir tour. Our fifth Birmingham Symphony Hall concert is also scheduled for this September. You don’t have to be brilliant at singing or able to read music – we would just love you to join us and share in the fun!”

 

Anyone wishing to experience what Got 2 Sing Choir offers simply has to turn up at the opening night, 7.30pm for a ‘free taster session.’

 

‘Got 2 Sing’ was established in 2011 and now has a rapidly expanding network of  17 adult choirs across the Midlands including Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. A second Got 2 Sing Choir is planned to open in central Derby this September.

 

For more information on ‘Got 2 Sing’ choirs and how to join / have a free taster session, visit www.got2sing.co.uk.

 

Got 2 Sing Choir – Derby, Castle Donington – opens Mon 9th May, 7.30pm – 9.00pm.

Castle Donington College, Mount Pleasant, DE74 2LN.

 

Photograph:

Castle Donington Choir Leader, Amanda Bonsall.

 

Amanda Bonsall – Background

Having always had a passion for singing from a young age, Amanda achieved her Diploma in Singing Performance from Trinity College London at 17 before starting her music degree at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in Vocal and Operatic Performance.

Growing up, Amanda was a dedicated member of ‘Voices – The City of Derby Girls’ Choir’ for many years, touring across Europe and singing in some of the worlds most renowned venues including Notre Dame, Cologne Cathedral, Florence Cathedral, St Vitus Cathedral and York Minster. Within the choir they would enjoy singing anything from Monteverdi to Michael Bublé!

During her time at The Conservatoire, Amanda enjoyed being a part of the choruses and playing roles within the seasonal operas and opera scenes, working alongside various acclaimed musical directors and singers. Now, Amanda is part of local Derbyshire & Nottingham Operatic Societies, who regularly perform productions at Derby Theatre, Buxton Opera House and Harrogate Theatre.

Despite having a keen interest in the classical voice, Amanda is just as enthusiastic about contemporary and popular music. She also has a love for jazz and has sung with local jazz ensembles and big bands. She teaches singing privately in the Music Studio at her home in Castle Donington.