Alvin M. Keeling 
Ayrshire singers from the world’s largest contemporary choir took part in a ‘Big Sing’ event at Fullerton ConneXions Church in Irvine last week.
On Tuesday May 24, members of the Rock Choir from Irvine, Ayr, Kilmarnock and Troon came together under one roof for the first time since the start of the pandemic for a huge choir practice.
The ‘Rockies’ were joined by award-winning singer and Rock Choir founder Caroline Redman Lusher, who built the amateur singing group from 100 members in her hometown of Farnham, Surrey, in 2005 to over 33,000 members in across the UK. today.
Lauren McGarrigle, choirmaster for Irvine, Ayr, Kilmarnock and Troon, said: “We were delighted Caroline came all the way to see us in Ayrshire.
“The members were thrilled and looked amazing as always. The energy was just electric and everyone had a great time.”
Everyone sang, danced and laughed throughout the evening – which Ayr Choir member Jenni McKeand described as “a truly memorable evening that will not be forgotten for a long time”.
The four choirs are relatively new, having only had one term of in-person rehearsals before the first lockdown, but Ms Redman Lusher said all singers were in song.
She explained: “The ‘Rockies’ (the members of the Rock Choir) sang with all their hearts and made me feel so loved and welcomed.
“It has been an honor to spend time in Scotland and meet our Scottish Rockies in person so I can thank them for all of their support and loyalty to me, my team and Rock Choir throughout the long pandemic.”
She added, “My visit also gave me the opportunity to listen to their beautiful singing, witness their passion for Rock Choir, and hear about their important and supportive friendships they made during their weekly rehearsals in the choir.”
Ms. Redman Lusher is a huge advocate for the mental health benefits of community singing and during her visit members told her heartfelt stories of how Rock Choir has helped them through difficult times and improved their well-being. -be.
Her visit was part of a four-day tour of Scotland during which she attended five ‘Big Sings’ in Ayrshire, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
