Alvin M. Keeling 
Members of Downham’s community choir, Singers Inspired, are enjoying a return to regular rehearsals and learning songs together again.
Like all choirs, they were prohibited from doing so during the pandemic and their enthusiastic music director, Natalie O’Sullivan, offered virtual practice sessions over Zoom during this time.
But singing alone at home was a far cry from the jovial experience of a room full of voices.
The 18-year-old choir has seen a steady stream of new members since its in-person reboot last fall, but there’s always room for more.
They meet weekly for two hours on Thursday evenings at Downham Methodist Church Hall.
The choir learns a wide range of music from gospel to pop, original arrangements and songs from around the world. Most are sung in four-part harmony, with all tunes learned by ear, so there is no requirement to read the music, and all are welcome without auditions.
Choir committee member Nix Marston said: “Members currently range in age from 18 to 92, with a balance of voices in the soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections, but a few extra sopranos and tenors would be nice.
“Singers Inspired are also looking to restart live performance, with bookings to sing at local festivals for charity.
“They will also learn the new song for the Commonwealth created to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee across the world.
“Anyone interested in joining the choir can email singersinspired.choir@gmail.com or phone 01366 384232 and the first two sessions are free as a taster.”
