The Stevenage Choir, a local gem in the heart of Stevenage, was founded by Jasmin Keshavarzi in September 2023. It began as part of the Sing Space Choirs, which operate across the country. From its inception, the choir attracted over 80 members, more than half of whom remain active today. This vibrant group has made significant strides in the community, becoming a beloved part of many lives.
Jasmin Keshavarzi’s journey with the choir began during the lockdown. She joined the Sing Space musical theatre choir, run by West End coach Rachel Lynes, and was profoundly moved by the experience. “I loved it so much I wanted to bring the experience to my local area,” Jasmin shared. Her goal was to reach those who might never have the chance to experience the West End up close.
Today, the choir boasts a robust membership of 50 dedicated individuals. The choir’s age range and diversity are extensive. Members come from all walks of life, aged 18 and up. Some members have never sung before, while others have trained in Musical Theatre and are rediscovering their passion. Although the choir is predominantly female, it welcomes all genders and strives to cater to every voice.
The Choir specialises in Musical Theatre, singing show tunes from the West End and Broadway. They perform songs from renowned musicals such as “Les Misérables” and “Wicked”, as well as Disney classics like “The Lion King” and hits from musical movies such as “The Greatest Showman”.
One of the choir’s standout performances was a charity concert in March of this year. They collaborated with Glee Club UK and As One Community Choir to create a choir extravaganza. The event was a resounding success, raising over £1,400 for Herts Musical Memories. The evening was a celebration of the joy of singing, and the support from the audience and other choirs was heartwarming.
Looking ahead, the Choir has some exciting performances on the horizon. They’ve been invited to join Gareth Malone on his tour, performing at the Bedford Corn Exchange on 26th November 2024.
Rehearsal Routine
The choir rehearses for 90 minutes each week during term times. The Autumn term will run from 18th September to 11th December 2024, with rehearsals held in the evenings at the Sports and Performing Arts Pavilion at Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School. A typical rehearsal includes a vocal warm-up, harmony exercises, and icebreaker games. Members then dive into the material they’re working on, with access to vocal guides and practice materials for use between sessions. Rehearsals often end with a sing-along of favourite show tunes, followed by a post-rehearsal drink at the pub to wind down.
To prepare for major performances, members have access to vocal guide recordings for at-home practice. All rehearsals are live-streamed, allowing members to review them later. The term begins with learning the material and progresses to fine-tuning and perfecting the performance. A key focus is on performance techniques, essential for musical theatre numbers, which require a high level of engagement and embodiment of the material.
The Choir is deeply involved in the local community. They regularly conduct charity workshops and concerts, spreading the joy of singing. This summer, they performed at Lister Hospital, providing entertainment for patients. These moments are particularly rewarding for the choir members, who see the direct impact of their performances on the community.
Proudest Achievements
Despite being a young choir, Stevenage Musical Theatre Choir has already accomplished much. Performing at the Pride of Stevenage awards in their first term was a significant milestone. Although it was a daunting experience, the members excelled. The choir is also proud of the funds they’ve raised for those in need and their community. Jasmin reflects, “We’ve done a lot in the past year, and that’s down to the passion and joy of every single member.”
Exciting plans are in the works for the Choir. Besides their upcoming performance with Gareth Malone, they hope to join other Sing Space Choirs nationwide for a massive choir concert or festival. Rachel Lynes, the Sing Space founder, has ambitious plans, aiming for a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
The beauty of Stevenage Community Choir lies in its sense of community and teamwork. Jasmin emphasises that it’s not about individual stories but what they create together. Many members find the choir to be a welcome escape from their daily lives, with egos left at the door as they come together as a team.
Memorable Moments
For Jasmin, the most memorable moment was the very first session when she realised how much the community needed something like this. “Once we reach a certain age, we’re no longer encouraged to join clubs or do creative things,” she notes. The joy and inspiration felt by the participants were palpable.
One of the choir’s most moving performances was at Lister Hospital this summer. Despite the small size of the wards limiting the number of choir members, their rendition of “Circle of Life” resonated deeply with patients and visitors. The gratitude and applause they received were incredibly rewarding, leaving the choir members on a high.
Joining the Choir
Interested individuals can join by visiting www.singspacechoir.com/stevenage to book a spot. The choir offers taster sessions during the first few weeks of each term to ensure it’s the right fit for new members. This approach helps maintain a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
