When social distancing started in March 2020, Some Voices choir suspended in-person rehearsals and postponed our Spring performance at London’s Clapham Grand. But rather than locking down our creativity and community, we embraced an online experience by creating Some Virtual Voices.
Our Spring performance was due to raise funds for our member nominated charity, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), just as our December show had raised £6K for Prince’s Trust. CALM’s work is more vital now than ever, so we wanted to find a way to raise money for them, whilst giving our members and creative team something positive to focus on.
Through our online rehearsals on YouTube, members practising and recording themselves from home, and our expert editing team, we created a virtual performance.
SOCIAL DISTANT SING, the ultimate lockdown music video, is a 6-minute visual and audio celebration of friendship and overcoming isolation through music.
We premiered SOCIAL DISTANT SING on Weds 6th May on YouTube, with 1000 free tickets reserved. Optional donations for CALM with tickets totalled £2000, with an extra £1000 raised through a raffle, quiz and donations throughout the premiere.
Musical Director, Laura Howe said:
“As a choir, our power is a community of voices singing together to give confidence and enjoyment through sharing. So, although we have learned and recorded these songs in isolation, we have come together virtually to create a shared experience and a connection where for a short time, we don’t feel alone.”
In this time of isolation, virtual members have found rehearsals a valuable way to bring joy and fun into their days, whilst staying in touch with their talents and friends. One former choir member, Emma Stubbs, who now joins online from France said:
“I cannot find the words to express how INCREDIBLE it feels to be part of the Some Voices community again, even remotely. I am truly grateful for everything you’re doing to keep us entertained, joyful and making us feel ALIVE in this peculiar context.”
Members like Emma have been sharing their stories on social media using #choiragainstlivingmiserably.
Some Virtual Voices will return for our Summer Term on Weds 18th May, working towards a new virtual performance entitled ALL HUMAN for release in July. Find out more here.
About CALM
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide — offering lifesaving services, provoking national conversation and bringing people together to empower everyone to reject living miserably and stand together against suicide.
On average, 125 people in the UK take their own lives every week, with 75% of all suicides in the UK being male. CALM runs a free and anonymous helpline and webchat service from 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year. CALM currently takes around 12,000 calls and webchats every month.
For more information, visit: https://www.thecalmzone.net/
