Choir for people who cannot sing to launch in Derby

A choir for people who cannot sing is launching in Derby.

Prospective members do not need to audition and the focus will be firmly on fun and enjoyment rather than improving singing.

Everyone is welcome as long as they do not judge others for their singing ability, or lack of one.

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The group will aim to get some of their notes in the right order, but don’t mind whether that is through ability or chance.

Derby Tuneless Choir leader Matt McKenzie said: “We originally planned the launch for November 2021, but with little information around about the Omicron variant it seemed safer to delay.

“Apologies to all those who’d bought tickets – I hope you’ll join us this time, and it looks like the choir will be bigger and better because of the delay. Well, bigger at least.

“It does seem like a perfect moment to start a Tuneless Choir, as folks seem to be looking for things that bring them joy, to try to erase the effects of the last couple of years.”

Members will “sing like no one is listening” to familiar tunes from the sixties to the present day – with no parts, so everyone gets to sing lead as Nancy Sinatra, Freddie Mercury, or Amy Winehouse.

Mr McKenzie has been leading a Tuneless Choir in Matlock since March 2019.

He said: “A Tuneless Choir evening puts a spring in everyone’s step, including my own. I can’t wait to give that opportunity to the people of Derby. It’ll be a great thing to look forward to after work on a Monday.

“We won’t be teaching people to improve their singing. It’s all about the joy and laughter that comes from belting out great tunes with no pressure to improve.”

The choir won’t put on concerts either, but members who wish to are likely to find opportunities to showcase their enthusiasm.

Mr McKenzie said: “The Matlock Tuneless Choir has sung to poor, unsuspecting Christmas shoppers in Matlock and Bakewell, at Tutbury Castle, on Radio Derby and at Bakewell Horticultural Society’s 200th Anniversary show.

“Audiences love us because they can join in without fear, and know we aren’t trying to prove anything. Other than, of course, that everyone should be allowed to sing.”

One trip is likely to be to Nottingham, where the first Tuneless Choir started in 2016.

The first session of the Derby Tuneless Choir will be held from 7.15pm to 9.15pm on Monday, February 28 at The Allestree Club, Allestree, DE22 2FS.

The choir will then meet every Monday during Derbyshire school term times from 7.45pm.

Find more information at www.tunelesschoir.com/derby

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