Finding Our Clan – Welcoming New Choir Members

What a week...

As September approaches and we prepare to restart choir, I find myself reflecting on what truly makes our choir so special. Of course, the music is uplifting, the events are exciting, and the venues are wonderful, but those are not the heart of who we are. The real magic lies in the people. It lies in you.

One of the most beautiful things about our choir is the way our members welcome others. Time and again I have seen people notice someone sitting alone, walk over to say hello, or draw them into a conversation. It may seem like a small act, but it is often the difference between someone feeling like an outsider and someone realising they have found their place. That is how a choir becomes a family.

It is important to remember that each one of us plays a part in this. It is easy to think someone else will do the welcoming or someone else will strike up the conversation. But the truth is, you might be the one who makes all the difference to someone’s experience. Never underestimate the power of a smile, a hello, or a simple “how are you finding it so far?”

Sometimes it helps to have a few easy ways to include new people. You could:

• Invite them to sit with you or your group instead of leaving them on the edge.

• Ask what brought them to choir and share a little of your own story in return.

• Introduce them to another member so they instantly know more than one friendly face.

• Suggest coming a little earlier (around 7.00) one week to have a chat before we start at 7.30.

• Bring them into a conversation with a simple “we were just talking about…” so they feel part of it straight away.

These small things take very little effort but can make a world of difference to someone finding their place.

Equally, we want everyone to know that it is always safe to speak up if you feel a little left out or unsure. Sometimes we all need a nudge. There is no shame in it, and more often than not people are delighted to draw you in if they know you are feeling that way.

This sense of welcome does not just matter in our weekly rehearsals. It also works across our choirs when we come together for inter choir events. With so many people in the room it is easy for someone to feel lost in the crowd, which makes it even more important to look out for each other. Over the years it has been wonderful to see friendships form across our different choirs, and that is what makes these gatherings so very special. They are not just big events, they are a celebration of connection.

Another part of keeping our choir such a positive and safe space is how we treat each other behind the scenes. We are an organisation that absolutely detests cliques. They simply do not belong here. Choir is about opening up, not closing ranks. So if you ever catch yourself in a little “exclusive club,” remember we would far rather see you in the big one, the choir itself. A touch of humour, yes, but also something important to remember. It is each member’s responsibility to make sure no one is left on the outside looking in.

And if you ever do have a concern or feel unsure, please come directly to one of us rather than letting speculation or gossip creep in. Myself, Rachel and Paul will always hold the best interests of the choir as a whole at heart, and we are here to listen, support and help whenever needed.

In today’s world, belonging matters more than ever. Many of us remember times at school or in life when we felt different, or when we struggled to find where we fitted in. That is why having a clan, a community, a safe space to simply be yourself, is so precious. Here in our choir, imperfections and quirks are not just accepted, they are embraced. They are part of what makes us unique and beautiful as a group.

I feel so blessed by the way our choir members naturally nurture and encourage one another. We have such a mixture of personalities, all bringing their own warmth, energy and kindness, and together that makes us a clan, a family and a community like no other.

So, as we open our doors again in September, let us continue to embrace this spirit. Let us welcome new people with open arms, make sure no one feels overlooked, and remind each other that our differences are what make us stronger. Together, we create more than music, we create joy, belonging, and a safe place to simply be ourselves.

We are so grateful for each and every one of you, and we cannot wait to share another incredible season together. 💖🎶

Thinking of Joining Us?

If you have been wondering whether choir might be for you, September is the perfect time to come along and give it a try. You do not need experience, you do not need to read music, and you do not even need to think of yourself as a singer. All you need is the willingness to have a go and the openness to discover the joy of singing together.

We would love to welcome you into our clan, to sing with us, laugh with us and be part of something truly special. Why not take that first step and join us this season? You never know, you might just find your place. Click here to come along and see if we are your clan, it free and it may just be one of the best things you ever do.