this record deal and they went crazy. In terms of the best moments in my life, that’s a big one!”
The album took four days to make, with 987 members between the ages of six and 75. In the weeks building up to the album’s release (July 5) it was number one in five separate Amazon charts, including the Best Sellers Chart, beating Kylie Minogue and the Scissor Sisters.
British TV appearances followed, along with the CBS News’ Early Show in the US, as well as a British tour with pop group The Soldiers earlier this year, performing at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall. Some may worry that the choir could slip into the frenzied world of fame and celebrity. Not so Caroline. “I have been careful with marketing,” she says, “I don’t want people to be put off joining because they think they will have to be on the album. Essentially this is for amateurs. Although the performances are of a professional standard, it’s still for the people who sing in the shower. Rehearsals are as much of a high for them as making the album.”
Everyone remains tight-lipped about another album, but the title Volume 1 suggests Volume 2 will follow. Potential members are invited to attend a taster session; there is no audition process. Rock Choir proudly take on anyone, admirably believing that anyone can sound good and unleash their inner rock star. For those who consider themselves vocally challenged, singing as part of a 4,000-plus choir has its benefits. There are solo positions available, with auditions for those brave enough. At a recent rehearsal for Guilfest members Sue Parks and Jeanette Blamire, who both joined last year, tell their story. “We had both decided we were going to have a fun year as we are turning fifty,” says Jeanette. “I was unsure but decided to go to a taster session. Straight away the atmosphere was electric, all different types of people coming together singing fantastic songs we all love.” “You can have a really bad day at
work,” Sue continues, “but when you get here you are on such a high; they should bottle it and sell it on the NHS.” As members arrive at the rehearsal the sound of excited chatter fills the room. Most people would look less than enthusiastic when confronted with a three-hour rehearsal after a full working day, but this room is filled with doctors, lawyers and supermarket workers; the atmosphere is buzzing and everyone is smiling.
When Caroline takes to the stage all eyes are on her. The youngsters, in particular, are mesmerised. After a vocal warm-up by colleague Thomas George, Caroline tells a
www.guildf ordmagazine.c o .uk
Members are all ages and come from all walks of life
humourous tale about two members who went into a HMV store and forced the staff to play the Rock Choir album. They then danced around the aisles and persuaded customers to buy the CD. After several minutes of motivational friendly banter, the choir take to its feet to sing Let Me Entertain You by Robbie Williams, followed by hits such as True Colours and Dancing in the Street. Every person is dancing and singing. It’s hard to believe these people are not trained professionals. They know the steps perfectly; everyone puts their heart and soul into the performance. The juniors in the front row grin wildly at Caroline and know words to songs made decades before they were born. There is an overwhelming sense of pride in what they are doing. Suzanne Evans, a local postwoman, stands to perform a solo of Something Happened on the Way to Heaven. Suzanne
don’t just sing, they meet friends, gain fulfilment and perform in front of thousands. It’s a big bubble of goodness. They become part of a family, it’s all out of my love of music and need to look after people, I naturally want them to have a good time.” A single of Something Inside So Strong has been released to raise money for the charity Refuge, which helps victims of domestic violence. Caroline chose this charity after receiving numerous letters from members saying they had found refuge in Rock Choir. “The word refuge kept coming up,” she
says. “I felt it was appropriate, especially with the songs we choose being about empowerment and overcoming difficulty, it naturally led to Refuge. It’s not just about the single, it’s also about raising the profile of a smaller charity.”
Members often get together outside of
“Rock Choir is a big bubble of goodness. Members become part of a family”
joined two years ago after leaving an abusive relationship.
“I felt like I had wasted my life,” she
says. “Everything I did was controlled and I was unable to follow my dreams. When I left that relationship I discovered Rock Choir. At first I didn’t think I would have courage to sing solo. It took a year but I have been doing it ever since. Now it’s a huge part of my life, providing me with fantastic opportunities and has helped build my confidence.”
Caroline is overwhelmed by the effect Rock Choir has on peoples lives. “What people gain is enormous. They
rehearsals and have wine and cheese parties, working through routines and harmonies downloaded from the member’s area on the Rock Choir website. There is also a Facebook page where people can share tips and updates. Rock Choir has become a huge part of many people’s lives, offering not just a fun chance to sing, but the ability to build friendships that last much longer than the 90-minute rehearsals each week. Members release their inner songbirds, and defeat a few demons along the way.
www.rockchoir.com or tel (01252) 714276 17
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60