Melton's thriving community choir invites new singers to join
New singers are invited to join a thriving community choir which meets every Monday evening in Melton Mowbray.
Global Harmony, which was formed back in 1999 by Musical Director (MD) Sally Brown, was originally a female choir until 2001 when Chris Rowbury took over the role and men were included.
They sing a dynamic variety of world music in a fun, friendly, informal environment, celebrating diverse cultures and the joy of singing.
Their set list can include rhythms from Africa, stirring Eastern European harmonies, blues, rock, pop, soul, gospel, folk and songs from the Southern Seas and the Americas.
The choir puts on about three concerts a year, raising money for charities and local causes – their next gig will be at Christmas.
They travel to perform in neighbouring counties and they’ve also sung in France and at the prestigious South Bank Centre in London.
Global Harmony meets on Monday nights at 7.15pm, during term time, at Sandy Lane Methodist Church in the town.
Everyone is welcome to go along and share in the choir’s philosophy that ‘if you can talk, you can sing’.
Committee member, Jules Richards, says joining the choir in 2011 ‘changed my life’.
He told the Melton Times: “I hadn't been singing when I joined; I'd come from not singing, except in the shower.
“The choir really was a breath of fresh air for me.
"The choir introduced me to ‘breathing’ and the physicality of singing.”
Jane Bursnall took over as MD from Carl Hodgson in 2022. Jules says: “Jane has a great passion and a wealth of musical knowledge and experience that she shares every week.
"Monday sessions are great. Jane is passionate specifically about the unique blend of international songs we sing.”
Mondays begin with a short physical and vocal warm-up, followed by simple rounds and warm-up songs to get the group going.
At the start of each new term, they begin learning new material, so newcomers join on equal footing with existing members.
All songs are taught by ear, so there’s no need to read music.
No experience is necessary, no auditions are required and the first rehearsal is free of charge.
Go to globalharmony.org.uk to find out more.