Who we are
We are a local community choir. Our members are of all ages and abilities, and we welcome anyone and everyone who wants to sing for pleasure and enjoyment. We are very welcoming and friendly. It is a great way to meet and make new friends with a mutual love for singing and music. No previous experience is required, and no sheet music is used.
Where we meet
We meet every Wednesday in the Chard Guildhall under the musical direction of Pete Linnett. We also perform in other local locations.
Why sing?
Singing is extremely beneficial to our physical and mental health. It is a great way to meet new friends and connect with existing ones. It brings people together. Singing can stimulate the immune system, improve mood, reduce stress, depression & anxiety, enhance memory, improve lung function and produce positive feelings.
Performances
For many years the choir took part in Sing for Water, South West joining together with many other choirs in raising money for Water Aid. They have also taken part in the Bristol Choir Convention, enjoying a day singing new songs with other choirs and performing songs from their own repertoire.
The choir has performed and continues to do so, at many local events including fetes, charity fundraisers, Christmas lights switch on and in Care Homes. Also at The Stourhead Festival, South Petherton Folk Festival, Dalwood Music Day & Symondsbury Christmas Market. The choir has put on charity concerts at The Guildhall in aid of St Margarets and The Air Ambulance. These are optional.
We usually hold an end of term Friends & Family evening in the summer & at Christmas, where we sing a few songs and have a buffett.
Our History
The choir started as an Evening Class, learning songs by ear in 4 part harmony at Holyrood School lead by Caroline Rigby approximately 25 years ago
As the singing proved so popular it progressed from being an Evening Class to a Natural Voice choir still run by Caroline.
The name Meeting Voices came about due to sessions being held in The Meeting House , Ilminster, before moving to the Town Hall in Chard.
In 2014 Pete Linnett became the musical director.
Pete Linnett – Our Musical Director
“I aim to lead you into the spirit, harmony and rhythm of the music in a simple, clear and fun way. I teach entirely by ear. I’m inspired by the music and by the wonderful way that singing together can build community and feelings of wellbeing” – Pete Linnett
Pete is a member of the Natural Voice Practitioner Network – a network of people who work with voice and song, and who believe that singing is everyone’s birthright, regardless of musical experience or ability. Pete arranges many of the songs that the choir sing.
Pete has his own website with links to practice tracks and lyrics. Access to this is available to members.