Hereward Harmony: Julie Andrews, eat your heart out!

Terry Irwin of Hereward Harmony sings the praises of... well, singing...

It’s not just the hills that are alive with music. So is Peterborough. Every night of the week you will find small, and large, groups of men and women, teenagers and children dotted all over Peterborough, singing or playing instruments. Many of these groups are small, struggling to survive with dwindling and perhaps aging, groups of enthusiastic performers. They receive no grants yet have to find money for music, hall booking fees, instruments, costumes etc. etc. Are they down hearted?

NO!
Because making live music is one of the most satisfying things you can do. Three tips for getting fit:

1) Sing

2) Sing in harmony with other people

3) Do it once a week.

Singing exercises muscles you didn’t know you had. At the end of an evening’s rehearsal you know you have worked out. Is it so hard? Yes, but it’s so much fun! It’s sociable. And the adrenaline rush in and after a performance is well worth the time put it. Why not give it a try?

There are a few reasons people regularly give. Here are our top three:

• I don’t have the time! You make time for something you like – and it’s so much more satisfying being part of Britain’s talent than it is just watching it on T.V.
• I can’t sing! You can you know… It may seem like a growl to you but it’s a bass to someone else. Singing, like any other activity that requires talent, has rules and activities that have to be learnt and practised until perfected. Don’t think you have to come as the finished article if you join a club or choir. There are skills to be learnt and skills you will be taught.
• I can’t read music! This never stopped many of our famous singers and song writers. Why should it stop you?

I belong to Hereward Harmony, a male acapella (no instrumental backing) chorus. Most of our members don’t read music. We provide learning tracks, words, costumes, cups of tea etc. Everything you need to take that singing you secretly do in the shower or car to the thrill of singing in front of an audience. We recently organised a concert at the Fleet Theatre, with an audience of 200 people and fellow artistes of a ladies chorus, a Young people’s chorus and a talented band – all Peterborough folk with a love of singing or playing. We have sung in front of 3000 people at our National Convention and we have sung in front of 20 mildly interested OAPs. We have sung in the Cathedral Grounds, the East of England Showground, on radio, in Queensgate and John Lewis and Tesco. The enjoyment and satisfaction is the same. If you don’t belong to a chorus or choir, give it a try. Better still, GIVE HEREWARD HARMONY A TRY! You will be welcomed with open arms and you can add to the sound of music – a much needed asset in today’s world!

Get involved! We meet every Thursday evening from 7.30 to 10pm (including a tea break) at Napier Place Community Centre, Orton Wistow, Peterborough, PE2 6XN. Our practice evenings are open to visitors so just turn up, have a cup of tea and listen.

• If you want to chat and ask questions first, call Brian McDonnell on 01733 752577.