WELCOME!

Sing for Happiness is a vocal ensemble based in Purley & Beckenham. 

Offering people flexibility, freedom, and choice in membership along with the opportunity to learn songs from all genres. Sing for Happiness is an adult choir that meets every two weeks.

FACTS

• We are not a profit making choir
• Bespoke communication 
• Lyrics & music are provided
• A personal 1-2-1 follow up after your first session
• Always available to help and provide guidance on Singing
• In-depth experience of my professional teaching
• A Fun 90mins session     

What do I pay for my very first session?

The first session is a PAYG session, so you will be paying £12. This helps towards venue hire and resources.  

FREE taster session for Beckenham on Thursday 12th September 2024

What’s the membership fee if I join Sing for Happiness?

There are two membership Options:

(1) A PAYG membership (Flexi) or (2) A Monthly Membership (regular)

Membership fees will ensure we keep learning new music and having a good time together and that new members feel immediately part of the choir family. 

Monthly membership fees are due on the first day of each month. 

PAYG to pay as you arrive or 24hrs before 

Where & when do you meet in Purley

Venue: Christ Church Hall, 859-887 Brighton Rd, Purley CR8 2BN 

Meeting every other Friday: Time: 12pm-1.30pm

Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/S4ASVKnU79hoHJGu5 

Why do you only meet every two weeks

I'm all about reducing carbon footprint and not traveling as much. I know how tiring it is to travel to rehearsals every week & to experience rehearsal fatigue, hence meeting every two weeks. 

The face-to-face ensemble only requires you to travel every two weeks, so you won't have to travel as much, & if you drive you are saving petrol.

On the subsequent weeks where there is no face to face I may have a one off online line session used for "Catch up sessions and or sectional rehearsal "re-caps" if we have a performances coming up. 

How many choir sessions in a term ?

Approximately 6-7 sessions per term, depending on the duration of a term. Terms are based on the School Academic Calendar: Summer, Autumn, and Spring. Please scroll to the section with the Term Dates.

Where can I get music resources?

360 membership offers you access to the private website where you can download ALL resources. 

Flexi PAYG members download resources via a private external source "Google Drive" 

Is there a sheet music available.?

A PAYG membership includes lyrics and MP3, if you require sheet music there is a small fee of £2.50. 

If you have a 360 bundle membership, this is all included. If you prefer, you can have the full score or just your harmony part. 

What's the difference between Flexi membership & 360 membership?

For individuals who can only attend speratically throughout the term or within three sessions of the term, Flexi membership is ideal. Monthly membership (360 bundle) is designed for those who are able to attend for the term and are able to commit a bit more. There are several membership packages, including all resources, lyrics and MP3s from the ensemble.

Flexi membership resources:

Is it necessary to have a Gmail account to access the music resources folder? ......

Flexi Members can access their Google Drive folders without a Gmail account. 

Worried about Visiting us for the first time...

Please come and try us out! We are a friendly group and love meeting new people.

It is okay to be nervous; every member of my choir has had their first lesson, and they, along with me, will ensure that you are well taken care of.

I will send you everything you need before your session & I will make you feel welcome and will any questions you may have to make your first session enjoyable. 

What do I get for my memberships?

Please read our membership section click here as there is lots of information, and if you still need more information, please contact me: Singforhappiness1@gmail.com

What is Flexi membership?

The Flexi membership is Pay as you Go. This is for people who are unable to commit to 3-4 rehearsals a term. 

Do monthly memberships cost less than pay-as-you-go memberships?

Yes, Committing to monthly Direct Debit is cheaper than paying £12 for every session :Pay as you Go. 

If you can attend all sessions, then monthly Subscription is more cost-effective.

Do I need to be able to read music? 

No not at all.

Are there social events?

After years of teaching choirs, I'm all about socialising, I will offer singing walks to bring people together with nature and voice. I've walked, and trained, Girl Guides and Rangers for their D of E expeditions and know singing takes your mind off the walk, and if you're walking up a hill, teaching a pretty short three- or four-part song works really well. It's also good for your fitness and breath control. I enjoy the outdoors and what better way to enjoy it than singing outside for sessions in the Summer Autumn Term. 

Participating in charity events and coffee mornings

With Sing for Happiness, you will make new friends and have fun!

Benefits of joining a choir

Musicality

Its official, singing in a choir improves the way you hear music, it draws out your innate musical ability and intensifies your appreciation of harmony. There is a natural learning curve that occurs quite organically as a consequence of singing regularly in a group that strengthens your ear. Where choral singing is concerned, the whole really is the sum of its parts, and choir members soon become aware of how harmonies combine and complement each other.

Mental Health

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Professor Grenville Hancox, Director of the Sidney de Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health in Kent, has done extensive research on the benefits of choral singing on psychological well-being.He is so passionate about the enormous emotional benefits of choral singing,he has been trying to persuade the medical profession to prescribe singing instead of Prozac:

“If we could engage more and more people in singing, I’m sure we would have a healthier nation.”

Studies have shown that the mental health benefits of choral singing include enhanced brain function, strengthened feelings of togetherness, and the release of endorphins and oxytocin resulting in reduced stress and depression.

Confidence

It’s surprising how many people are told at school they can’t sing, a myth that can discourage potential singers for decades. Most people don’t imagine they will ever perform in front of an audience, and to experience this for the first time as part of a choir can be life changing.The truth is that, unless there is hearing loss, anyone can learn to sing. Singing in a community choir gives you permission to make noise as part of group, and choir leaders report witnessing new members’ confidence grow rapidly.

Belonging

The modern world is one where people are increasingly isolated. Social media networks offers a semblance of community but the lack of contact with people in real time and space can intensify feelings of alienation. Singing has been central to religion and ritual as a way of connecting communities since ancient times. Being part of a group working towards a shared endeavour, can fulfil this human need for belonging and union.Recent research reveals that group singing helps forge social bonds, and it does so particularly quickly, acting as a powerful icebreaker. People feel valued and inevitably make friends with individuals from a diversity of backgrounds, so horizons are broadened and social cohesion is improved.

Aerobic and toning

A proper singing session is a wonderful workout for the lungs. The actions of warming up, breathing deeply and opening the diaphragm all oxygenate the blood, creating more white blood cells, which strengthens the whole body.The breathing rate slows and deepens, releasing endorphins and increasing a profound sense of well-being. All this lung action reduces the chance of illness and is excellent for people who suffer asthma, and emphysema.Singing also improves your posture and tones your stomach muscles – a strong core supports the spine so your body will be less prone to injury as you age.

So, what are you waiting for?

Here is a glimpse into how I approach the beginings of my musical arrangements