Pop Choir

A pop choir is a group of people who sing chart hits and well-known pop songs together, usually arranged in simple harmonies. Unlike many traditional choirs, there's no audition and no need to read music, as songs are taught by ear. The focus is on feel-good singing, growing confidence and the thrill of lots of voices coming together.

Traditional choirs often sing classical or religious music from printed sheet music, with voices split into soprano, alto, tenor and bass. A pop choir keeps things looser and more playful. Songs are ones you already know from the radio, parts are learned by listening and copying, and there's often clapping, swaying and a few dance moves thrown in. It's less about perfection and more about the joy of singing out loud.

Your Activity Leader starts with a vocal warm-up, which can be wonderfully silly: humming, sirens, tongue twisters and big stretchy yawns to loosen everyone up. Then you learn a song one line at a time, first the melody everyone knows, then a simple harmony for those who fancy it. The group might split into high and low parts or sing in a round, where different groups start the same tune at different times. Finally, it all comes together for a full sing-through.

Not at all. Pop choirs welcome every kind of voice, from shy hummers to shower-singing superstars. When lots of people sing together, each voice blends into the whole, so there's no spotlight on anyone. Many people who think they can't sing are surprised by how good it feels, and by how quickly they pick up a harmony. Your voice is welcome exactly as it is.

Yes, and it's a lovely thing to share. Children often know the songs better than their grown-ups, so they can take the lead for once. Singing side by side helps everyone relax, and there's something really special about hearing your family's voices as part of a bigger sound. Expect to be humming the songs for the rest of the day, and probably all the way home.

You might also like African Harmonies, Sign Language and Ukulele.

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