Music fans from all over Stirling are being urged to get along to a new community choir set to be launched next month. The new choir, which will be launched at Bannockburn Community Centre, is the 15th to be run by the ‘Sing in the City’ enterprise founded by professional musician and songwriter Kirsty Baird.
From Edinburgh to Stirling
The movement began in Edinburgh with several community choirs being set up and spreading the message of improving mental wellbeing and making new friends. It has since gone from strength to strength and recently moved out of the capital for the first time with a quartet of choirs being set up in Fife.
Now Kirsty is hoping to break new barriers in Stirling, with those interested urged to bring just a love of singing and a smile.
More than just singing
Kirsty told the Observer: “The choirs welcome all ages from 18 to those in their 90s and we make sure that songs are arranged to suit all genres and decades.
“The work we’ve done shows that actually most people don’t come to a choir necessarily to sing, but it’s as much about meeting people and escapism - from the stresses of work, to the loss of a partner or loved one.
“The people we have in our choirs come from all backgrounds; we have had retirees, doctors and train drivers and the most common statement we get from people is ‘why would you want me, I can’t sing’.
“But it’s about coming together and doing something different, the tea breaks almost become the most important parts of our evenings.”
Big stages and expansion
The ‘Sing in the City’ choirs have kicked on and performed on some big stages from the Edinburgh Tattoo and soon busking at the Edinburgh Fringe. With the group’s expansion put on hold due to the Covid pandemic, renowned musician Kirsty was left blown away by Stirling as she decided on the next location.
She added: “When I drove through and saw the Ochil Hills and the castle, it just seemed an obvious choice.
“It seems a nice, vibrant community - much like Edinburgh.
“The choir will be free on the opening night and then there will be a fee from there, but no obligation first up to try and see if people want to become a member.
“The cost would be £8 from there and we hope to prove ourselves as we know that a choir could feel like a bit of a luxury.
The choir session will be at the Bannockburn Community Centre on September 10 from 7pm to 9pm.
