ONE of Dorset’s leading community choirs is on the look-out for more men. Weymouth-based Dorset for Singing, which reconvenes tomorrow night after its summer break, is always looking for new members and would like to entice more gents into its ranks.
The choir was founded in 2008 by musician and school teacher Ed Hintze and local keen singer Michael Anders, with the aim of providing a fun environment for informal group singing aimed at anyone aged 14 and above.
The choir currently has a core of between 70 and 80 regular members, with a total of 100 singers all told.
Jenny Hintze, who helps organise the choir with Ed and Michael, said: “Dorset for Singing is marvellous – never in our wildest dreams did we think it would get this big.
“We would definitely like more men to come along as we only have a handful so far. They see there aren’t many men singing and scuttle away again. But we are not frightening and will make them very welcome.”
The choir rehearses weekly and sings a wide range of well-known songs as well as original compositions.
Musical director Ed Hintze, who took part in the BBC’s One and Only as Elton John, also provides advice and exercises on developing the voice.
The choir is friendly and informal, there are no auditions for joining and members do not need to be able to read music.
Jenny said: “A lot of choirs in the Weymouth area are quite formal and more structured and you have to be able to read music and sing in the correct group for your pitch.
“We are not like that – we are more relaxed and if someone is nervous, they can sing with their friends, whatever their vocal range.”
As well as rehearsals, Dorset for Singing takes part in many community events and fetes, regularly performs in Weymouth Bay Methodist Church and last year too part in Weymouth Sparkle in the run-up to Christmas. The choir is also taking part in Coastal Voices with other local singing groups as part of the next year’s Cultural Olympiad.
They also raise thousands for charities and are currently supporting Dogs for the Disabled and the Stammering Association.
Rehearsals are held on Thursdays during term time at All Saints School, Weymouth. Sessions start at 6.45pm, with a 15-minute warm-up, and finish at 8pm.
The choir offer a free taster session, after which if you decide to join then there is a small subscription fee. If you are interested in joining Dorset For Singing and would like more information, please contact Ed on 07971 277723 or visit the website dorsetforsinging.co.uk
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