Singing in the shower was the extent of Andy Grant's musical performances before he joined a pop-up choir. He was one of 14 members of an All Men Can Sing choir who staged a special concert at Macclesfield United Reformed Church. A packed audience enjoyed a mix of songs, ranging from Jerusalem to the Elbow classic One Day Like This.
The choir's hidden talents helped raise around £3,000 for the dementia singing programme at East Cheshire Hospice. The choral debutants spent eight weeks rehearsing for the concert, which was performed before 200 guests. The programme included sets by the established Macclesfield Male Voice Choir and soloist Kimberley Raw, led by musical director Chris Cromar and accompanist Anna Chiu.
Andy, head of communications at Macclesfield-based contract catering company Elior UK, said: "I saw the pop-up choir advertised on billboards and thought it'd be nice to try something different and out of my comfort zone. Activities like this can also be helpful in terms of mental health and wellbeing. We all enjoyed the experience and a few of us have carried on by joining the male voice choir."
He added: "It's a nice thing to get involved in. Every choir member was so welcoming and Chris, the MD, was brilliant and a superb teacher. I suppose it's also a nice way for the male voice choir to generate interest and attract new members. Knowing I was doing something for the Hospice was an important factor for me."
Andy underwent open heart surgery two years ago to correct a congenital heart defect. He said: "It's been a real journey for me since my operation. A life-changing moment." He also staged a special walk to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.
The All Men Can Sing concert was supported by the D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust and Macclesfield Town Council, with further backing from Chrome Motors and the Hospice. Jewellers PR Jones donated raffle prizes.
Co-organiser Laurie Kennard said: "One participant said he now had the answer to 50 years of wondering what it was like to sing with a choir. The concert was a huge success. Many of the pop-up choir were so thrilled at their achievement that they're joining Macclesfield Male Voice Choir to further their new interest in singing."
A similar event is planned next year. Interested men can email allmencansing@oldbro.org.
