​My Cornwall Choir Collective Journey

As I'm starting to get back into the groove of choir prep, I'm feeling reflective & really am grateful to be able to hold space for an amazing group of women! It's always good to hear what our members think too (as the choir is about them after all), so I'd like to post a heart-felt & lovely testimonial from one of our singers: (thank you Tam) x

​My Cornwall Choir Collective Journey

Hi, my name is Tam and I am a member of the Truro and Newquay groups, but I like to make it along to Liskeard whenever I can.

I have been with Cornwall Choir Collective since Day One. I knew Jo from Rock Choir which I was a member of for a couple of years (until other commitments took over) and was delighted to find out that she was setting up her own group. I have always enjoyed singing - although not very well and mainly confined to the shower - but I had a positive experience singing with Jo before, so this new choir sounded perfect.

We started ‘meeting’ online (Zoom sessions) in September 2020 when Covid lockdown restrictions were still in place and choirs were not allowed to meet in person. I must admit I wasn’t sure at the time how this would work but I loved it from the very start.

I was going through a very difficult time in my personal life at that point, and feeling quite lonely, so seeing people at the other end of my laptop screen was a true lifesaver. It kept me connected with people and was something to look forward to every week. It was a lot of fun and we also had the opportunity to record some songs for a couple of online choir concerts.

It was so exciting when the time came that we could finally meet in person in the Summer of 2021. Luckily the weather was kind so we could still be safe and sing outside. It was lovely to meet the people we had started getting to know online. We had not heard each other’s voices before (being on zoom and having to turn laptop microphones off), so to finally sing together was amazing!

‘Proper’, inside choir sessions started in September 2021. We welcomed lots of new members and enjoyed learning new songs together. Since then, our choir numbers have grown, we have an increasing repertoire of songs and have performed at many events, such as the Christmas market at Truro Cathedral, the Queens Jubilee celebrations at Heartlands, at a care home in Liskeard and gigs in and around our local areas.

It is hard to put into words just how much being a member of Cornwall Choir Collective means to me, but it means SO much!

I love singing of course, I have grown in confidence over the last few years and my voice has improved and got stronger with Jo’s support and guidance. I have even got to the point where I have been able to sing a solo part in one of our songs, only a few lines, but is something I have always wanted to do but I never thought I would be able to, so I feel rather proud of myself for achieving this.

I think all the choir members would agree that we are more than just a choir, we are a family. Lifelong friendships have been made and continue to do so. We come together each week to sing, and we are there for each other through the good and difficult times with plenty of love and support. We laugh together (a lot) and cry together. It really is a very safe and special place to be. I remember Jo saying once when we were doing some grounding and breathing exercises as we do before we start singing, to close our eyes and imagine being in our happy place. I remember thinking to myself, ‘yes and I’m already here for real’.

Cornwall Choir Collective and the lovely ladies have pulled me through the last few years, and I am forever grateful. It's helped me so much with my well being and provided me with some positive escapism from daily life every week.

And of course, our lovely Jo, our wonderful choir leader, without whom we would not be part of such an amazing community. We all love her to bits! Her kindness, patience and passion for the choir is inspiring. She believes in each and every one of us and gives us the confidence to find and embrace our own unique singing voices in such a relaxing environment. We have so much fun together. You can’t help but leave at the end of the session without a smile on your face!

So, for anyone looking to join a choir and thinking about trying out Cornwall Choir Collective, I’d say do it! Come along and join us! You will be guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome and I am sure you won’t be disappointed. It’s certainly changed and enriched my life for the better.

My sincerest thanks to Jo and all the members of Cornwall Choir Collective!