100 join up for Sing for Fun Big Bash

Five choirs will be combining on Sunday (July 2) at The Fieldgate Centre, Kingsclere, to spend a joyous day, singing through the songs they have learned over the past year at The Big Summer Bash.

Sing for Fun was created in 2004, initially in Basingstoke, and the style of singing and type of song was so popular that the concept spread to Newbury, Reading, Andover and most recently Goring.

Hannah Baron, a former member of the Newbury choir, bought the company in September 2021 after Jane Bibb decided to retire and has remained true to the ethos of fun, whilst introducing new variations on the theme.

Each choir learns the same songs each term, with the emphasis on fun and flexibility. Sing for Fun takes pride in not pigeonholing anyone into any one vocal part: singers are encouraged to try different parts for all the songs, deciding whether they feel like singing the tune, or a higher or lower harmony. The songs are taught in short segments, repeating each one after the tutor, although sheet music is provided with lyrics, enabling everyone to take part.

Until now, terms have ended with a short performance of the songs for the local families and friends of each choir, but Hannah has decided to give all the singers the experience of singing with a larger group, and the opportunity to sing again all the songs learned since last September.

To this end, singers from the five towns will be spending the day at The Fieldgate Centre, singing together, and ending with a performance for invited guests.

Hannah explains: “I have always felt it was a shame that, once term has ended, most of the singers, unless they join our Performance Choir which sings a selection of past and present Sing for Fun songs, never sing the songs they’ve worked on again.

“I decided to try a change at the end of this summer term and am so excited that 100 singers have signed up for the day, which starts with welcome teas and coffees, then rehearsals, with lunch provided by Pete’s Food and an ice cream van from Newbury Bouncy Castles, ending with a concert of all 15 songs and more socialising with our audience.

“Our choirs vary in size, but none of them are 100 strong, so all singing together will be a wonderful experience.”

Although this Big Summer Bash marks the end of term, there are opportunities for singers to sing again at an Introduction to A Cappella workshop on July 16, as well as at some performances that have been booked over the summer.

Then there is the excitement of a new term in each of the five local towns, starting at the end of September. New members are always welcome, just go to the Sing for Fun website to find out more https://singforfun.co.uk/

Contact Hannah Baron of Sing for Fun on hannah@singforfun.co.uk for further information