The Whitton Adult Community Singing Group, founded in 2017, is encouraging people to sing for health, happiness and well-being.  

The group, which sings a variety of music - pop, folk, spirituals, classical etc - welcomes adults of all ages, genders, cultures, and ability levels, regardless of previous experience, to come and enjoy singing with others, without judgment or criticism. 

They aim to be there for all adults who want to be part of an inclusive singing group which offers guidance and teaching in the simple, basic, and essential principles of learning to sing in a group.  

They particularly welcome adults who think they can't sing and adults who missed out as youngsters. 

They told Nub News: "WACS is here to provide a safe and enjoyable learning environment for adult, amateur singers of all levels of experience – including beginners - and aims to promote the combined: musical, physical, psychological, social, and educational benefits of singing.  

 "We are more of a "Come and have go" group than a formal choir. Anybody can come for a free trial session on any term-time Saturday." 

Sessions always begin with some physical and vocal warm-ups so that posture, breathing, and vocal skills develop naturally, without unnecessary force.  

This manner of learning develops the necessary confidence, by which singing can be enjoyable. This is important because, successful singing builds self-confidence, promotes self-esteem and always engages emotion.  

They also said: "WACS does not exist in a vacuum: we promote social awareness, by including relevant songs at key times, which keep us in tune with important events - near and far – such as, Climate Change and the various calls for justice in the world around us, as well as being open to songs from all the major world religions and traditions." 

Their founder, Loulla Gorman, added: "Like many singing group leaders - the world over - it is my firm belief that, we can all sing if we are able to speak, but I do acknowledge that participants need to be given basic, guiding principles in singing technique, aimed at encouraging the development of their own natural voice, within the context of learning a wide range of appropriate, richly varied, and good quality songs." 

Current member, Joy said: "Being with WACS for nearly a year I have learnt so much from Loulla's professional approach and have appreciated her caring side to individual needs 

"Harmonising, listening skills, and using different parts of the upper body to achieve quality sounds gave me a different approach to my singing again thanks Loulla. 

"People come people go some stay for different reasons but we are always welcoming and people fit in so easily, especially at the after-singing coffee and chat." 

Another current member, Sam, said: "Singing is one of the most uplifting things for me to do. I have a very stressful life looking after my elderly parents, so I look forward to the time I spend with the WACS. Singing makes me happy. Loulla is not only a very good singing teacher, she is also very encouraging. 

There are no auditions and everyone is invited to attend a free trial session so they can decide if the group is right for them.  

If people enjoy their free trial session and decide to join, fees are paid monthly at the equivalent rate of £6.00 per session.  

There are some concessionary rates available for two or more members of the same family – including partners – and other concessions are available by special arrangement with the tutor.  

They meet every term-time Saturday, 11.15-12.45 at the Whitton Community Centre. 

Email ([email protected]) or phone (07788664957) for a free trial.