Soul music is probably a good a starting point for a street choir as anything else.

Soul is so often linked with social justice and bringing people together, irrespective of difference and this feels right, particularly for community singing. Beyond this, some good modern R&B (Amy Winehouse, Adele) and a pop tune or two as well, (James Bay, Rag'n' Bone Man) plus some of the more serious reflective modern choral music (Sweet Honey In the Rock and the like). Also gentler stuff from the folk, acoustic guitar singer songwriter tradition - anything from Bob Dylan to Ed Sheeran and anything in between is fine by me. Some african caller response and a bit of rock and reggae along the way. Finally I am not a religious person, but that wont stop us singing beautiful songs from any religious tradition if we want to. Up to you.

I dont pretend to be a 'propa' choir leader - my formal knowledge of vocal technique is limited but I have a good idea of what works and a few years of running community music projects now. I'm sure between us all we can make the very best of what we have, and far more importantly, support each other and build a bunch of tunes that we can enjoy singing for ourselves, our friends, our loved ones and others around us : )

No one needs to know how to read music - I just print out songsheets and we learn melodies and simple harmonies by memory - two or three parts maximum, and perhaps occasionally a lead voice if the song really suits it, but that wouldn't be something we would do in the early days.

Subs - £4 per night adults and £2 under 18's. Cheaper if money is tight or you are on benefits.

 

Some info here about what has led me to launch the Exeter Street Choir and a bit of background if you're interested.

(Feel free to ignore this bit ! )

For my sins I've had a lifetime in music performing as a youngster with many bands and a few records along the way. Twenty years of owning and building a successful recording studio outside Milton Keynes. I had four years of writing original music for BBC television. I've recorded many talented musicians along the way and spent time teaching sound recording and songwriting.

Getting on a bit now (56) and since moving down this way I've really enjoyed getting involved in community music both in Somerset and Devon. I now run three street choirs in the area and I've spent the last three years studying music therapy and counselling at UWE. I've also had time running music groups for adults with learning disabilities and writing songs with a few very special people who have late stage acquired brain injuries of one kind or another.

I really enjoy music improvisation - a whacky music making tradition beloved of music therapists and I'm setting up music improvisation and song writing groups at the moment. Great for relaxation, connecting with others and for self expression. Here's some more info on my choirs and other projects in case you're interested - there's also a bit about why music and singing are so good for us : )

www.musichealth.co.uk

Nigel Neill