Margaret Hastings, Treasurer for the Helensburgh Oratorio Choir, tells us how their group organised their Diamond Jubilee concert.Susannah Wapshott,...
Discover the joy and camaraderie of community choirs across the UK. Making Music is proud to support a vibrant network of community choirs, open to people of all skill levels and backgrounds, who come together to sing, connect, and make a positive impact on their communities.
What is a community choir?
A community choir is a singing group that welcomes everyone - whether you’re a seasoned singer or a complete beginner. These choirs are open, inclusive spaces where people from all walks of life can enjoy singing in a group setting. Unlike some performance-based or auditioned choirs, community choirs focus on creating a sense of belonging and enjoyment through music, making them ideal for those looking to experience the uplifting effects of singing in a group.
Community choirs across the UK offer a variety of musical styles, from pop and rock to gospel, folk, and classical. Many choirs rehearse weekly, and members come together to sing, learn, and perform for their communities, friends, and families. Joining a community choir is a wonderful way to meet people, improve your singing, and experience the well-documented benefits of singing, which include reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing mental wellbeing.
Community choirs who are Making Music members
As the UK’s leading organisation for music groups, Making Music supports a wide network of community choirs across the country. Our member choirs are as diverse as the communities they represent, each bringing unique energy and passion to their music. Here are a few community choirs that exemplify the spirit and joy of communal singing:
- Amersham Community Choir: Located in Buckinghamshire, Amersham Community Choir brings together singers from all levels to perform a range of musical genres, from classical to contemporary. Known for its warm, welcoming environment, Amersham Community Choir is a staple in the community and frequently performs at local events, delighting audiences and fostering community spirit.
- Barry Community Choir: Based in the coastal town of Barry, this choir is all about inclusivity and fun. The Barry Community Choir invites everyone to come and sing, regardless of experience or musical ability. They focus on building connections within the community and bring joy to audiences through regular performances that celebrate the local culture and music.
- Thanet Big Sing Community Choir: With a repertoire ranging from gospel to pop, Thanet Big Sing Community Choir has built a reputation for its lively, spirited performances. Known for their welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, the choir’s mission is to bring people together through song, creating an inspiring sense of unity and positivity within the community.
Why join a community choir?
Community choirs are open to everyone and offer benefits that go beyond singing. By joining a community choir, you can:
- Meet new people: Build friendships and connections with others who share a love of music.
- Improve your health: Research shows that singing can reduce stress, enhance lung capacity, and improve mental well-being.
- Develop your musical skills: Whether you’re learning to harmonise, follow a conductor, or simply find your voice, community choirs provide a supportive environment to develop your singing.
- Give back to the community: Many choirs participate in fundraising and charity events, bringing music and joy to people in need and helping to strengthen their communities.
Find a community choir near you
Making Music connects you to community choirs all over the UK. If you’re interested in joining a community choir, you can explore our Find A Music Group tool to find a choir that’s right for you. Whether you’re in a large city or a rural town, there’s likely a choir nearby that’s looking for new members just like you!
How Making Music supports community choirs
At Making Music, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of making music. We support community choirs by offering resources, training, and a platform to connect with others in the music community - check out our full list of member benefits. Through advocacy, insurance, funding advice, and more, Making Music helps community choirs to thrive, ensuring that they remain vibrant, inclusive spaces for all.
Find out more about being a Making Music member
Request your joining pack here (comes with a free 'Increasing your income' factsheet and a second free resource of your choice)
We hope you find this Making Music resource useful. If you have any comments or suggestions about the guidance please contact us. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the content of this guidance is accurate and up to date, Making Music do not warrant, nor accept any liability or responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the content, or for any loss which may arise from reliance on the information contained in it.
