Marsh Choir – singing makes us happy

Singing is a lot of fun and it makes us happy.  That’s certainly according to founder member of Marsh Choir Carly Bryant, who has, in just over a year, established a fantastic community choir that anyone is welcome to join.

With great pleasure, CommunityAd were lucky enough to have a chat with the delightful Carly to discuss the Choir and what makes Romney Marsh so special.

Firstly, how did the Marsh Choir come to fruition?

I had been working for a decade as a touring musician and 2018 was a particularly mad year in terms of travel – South America to Europe to Mexico to USA then back again to Europe…I started to feel exhausted! On a drive home from a performance in London I realised I needed something different in my life that meant I could continue to bring music to people, but more locally. I knew the prospect of a network of choirs was the next right thing for me because the minute the idea entered my head I was tingling with excitement and inspiration. 

What styles of music does the Choir tend to sing?

We sing rock, pop and soul. We do a lot of medleys that take the best bits from songs and we also do mashups of songs! 

Do you do performances in the community, or is it purely for fun and practice?

Having started in January 2019, our first performance was in July 2019 in All Saints Church, Lydd. At that point there were 185 people in the choir and an audience of approx. 1,000 people. Our next concert is on December 14th at the same venue, but this time the choir has just over 300 members, so it’s going to be even bigger and better than ever! We also now have an honorary member in Dame Judi Dench, so that makes us extra special! 

What do you think is so special about singing with a big group of people?

Connection. Life can be hard, but coming together to sing unites us. Everybody can sing and once you open your mouth and see it’s not scary, you experience a feeling of ‘I did it!’ and ‘look at me go!’ and then you realise the others in the room are feeling the same way. It makes you smile. 

Can anyone of any age or ability join in on the fun?

Yep! There are 6 adult choirs and a 7th on the way. Currently our youngest member is 16 and our oldest is 87. Some members haven’t sung since school, or never really at all, and there are some who are retired professionals or working musicians/singers/actors. Everybody is welcome! We also have a choir for adults with special needs, which meet on a Friday at 11:30 in Lydd Hardy Hall.  

Lastly, what do you love the most about Romney Marsh?

The sheep. That’s a joke… well, sort of. I love the salty air, the quaint little villages here and there, the quirky people, the ancient churches, the vast landscapes, the changing colours, the lakes, and yes, I do have a soft spot for the sheep!

Carly says, ‘We are all able to sing, it just comes more naturally to some than others,’ so don’t be shy and get involved!

To find out more about this ever-growing choir and to take part, visit www.marshchoir.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram (@marshchoir).

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