I joined Felsted Choral Society in the autumn of 2004. I had no previous experience of singing in a large choir. Most of my life I had belonged to church choirs; the maximum being around twenty members. When I was fourteen the vicar arranged for me to audition to see whether my voice was good enough to be considered for training in Italy. I was told that that it was a possibility and all sorts of arrangements were made for me to attend a certain school and to live with someone’s sister in Italy but no one had had really asked me whether or not I wanted to go! I possibly disappointed several people but I made the decision not to go; I was very much a home loving person and I was by no means sure that I wanted to be a classical singer or, if I failed to make the grade, a singing teacher. Before I had my children I sang solos in local concerts but since that time it had just been singing in our local church choir, which is where I met Julia, who is now a fellow second alto.

My decision to join Felsted Choral Society was not a spontaneous one. Julia had nagged me more or less every week throughout the summer! Finally, I made up my mind to join; after all, I had someone to go with to hold my hand. Then disaster – Julia told me that she would not be at the first rehearsal! I considered not going but then I thought that there might be other newcomers and, as I had mentally prepared myself to go that week, I decided to be brave and go ahead on my own! It was a bit daunting as I knew no one but on arriving I took a deep breath and walked in. I needn’t have worried because I was “spotted” as soon as I walked through the door and was greeted by David Dixon’s smiling face and immediately made to feel most welcome. It made no difference whether or not I could read music, had been in a choir before or had any training, but just that I was enthusiastic and enjoyed singing. Everyone was very friendly and I felt quite at home so much that within a couple of weeks I had agreed to become librarian! I am still wondering how it happened – I think someone must have drugged my coffee!

Rehearsals are most enjoyable; Roger puts everyone at ease and he has a good sense of humour – the two hours just fly by. He never points a finger when he hears a mistake (and at times there are many) just that particular section “didn’t get that quite right”. So although you know and he knows, no one else need know who the culprit is! We have a short break after an hour when drinks are served and this is a good time to get to know everyone which also makes it a social event. I thoroughly enjoy being part of such a good choir and the concerts are a wonderful experience, so much so that I wonder why more don’t come and try it!

Muriel Robertson