All blokes think they can’t sing and I was no exception so the tsunami of applause came as a shock to me on my first appearance in a concert with the choir. It rolled out of the back of the church and engulfed everyone on stage.
I was startled: I had never known that before. You might be the same as me: if you came along thinking you were a crow, as I did, you’ll discover your voice and the benefits of singing, be it in rehearsal or concert. Although it’s reassuring to be surrounded by other members of the Orpheus male voice choir who’d been doing it for years. They looked completely at home.
How did I get here?
The music teacher had stared down at me with a look of contempt more than half a century ago and said: "You, boy, are a crow. You will never sing." I’d have given my right arm for him to be in the audience at the church in Tonbridge on Saturday. Because I was enjoying actually being a singer, with others who were really good singers. The whole thing was a real thrill. I'd recommend it to anyone thinking of joining the choir.And this from someone who was told at the age of 11 they would never be able to sing. It's obvious I'm no Pavarotti, but there again I do enjoy it and it is good fun.  
It all began so innocently.
My friend Andy said the choir was having an open night - so I went along expecting to be told I couldn't sing and that I was still a crow. However it seems my voice was not quite as bad as I thought. Kent, the music director, listened to me desperately try to hit a few notes, and decided I would be in the Second Tenors.
So it was, then, that I enjoyed a few Thursday evening practice sessions until Covid arrived and the choir continued to practise on Zoom for about 18 months. I found it most relaxing to go off and practice for about 20 minutes a few times a week at home.I gradually learnt what the little black dotson the page meant. For the uninitiated the little black dots at the top of the rows are when you sing a bit higher and when they're a bit lower you seem a bit lower. It really is that easy. Although I should say I am no Pavarotti, singing is simply fun.
The worst thing about a concert is the preparation;  have I ironed that shirt, where is the bow tie, do I need to iron the trousers, ought I to polish the shoes? But have no fear - it'll be alright on the night.
However, no matter how much effort you put into preparation nothing readies you for that wave of applause that rolls out from the audience and engulfs you. There's not much that can beat the sense of satisfaction when the entire choir has worked together as a team to produce something really special.

So if you’re wondering about joining the choir – I’d say give it a go, as I did. What’s the worst that can happen" ?
Martin Brice.

If like Martin you have doubts about joining a choir but would like to find out more follow the links to our Join Us page on the web site. 
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