I work in HR in the fashion industry - which I really enjoy - but of course there can be elements that take their toll, and working days that end up becoming evenings. I really missed performing, so I searched online and came across City Academy Songbirds. Singing with the choir becomes even more of a highlight during those tough working weeks, because I get to leave the office on time and spend two hours focusing on something completely different from my job. It's a great way to clear my mind and ease some of the pressure. The fact that we tend to go for a drink afterwards doesn't hurt either! It means that even if there are times when work takes over, there's a ready-made social event in my diary.
Singing just makes me happy... is there anyone who doesn't feel instantly better about life after belting out a few power ballads?!
Before my first rehearsal, I was a bit worried that an all-female choir might be cliquey or competitive, but it's completely the opposite. It's the most supportive, inspiring, wonderful group of women I've ever met - our solo auditions take all night because we all want to cheer each other on! I've been lucky enough to not only get great performance experience out of being part of the choir, but brilliant friendships too.
I don't want to toot our own horn too much, but I do think that the sound we create when we come together is something pretty special, and it can only be achieved by the whole choir working really hard and listening to each other. Our tutor, Kat, pushes us with each concert to try more complex material and it definitely pays off. We do around 16-18 songs, all learnt off book. We all want to do well for each other as well as ourselves, and we couldn't achieve what we do if that sense of a shared experience wasn't there.
Louise is part of one City Academy's six choirs. For other vocal opportunities, such as one-to-one and group lessons, have a look around our singing department.
