Louder Together raises £2,700 for the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust

Some Voices choir sings and speaks out about unity in support of a fairer society

On 22nd July, Some Voices choir premiered a virtual choir performance like no other. LOUDER TOGETHER is a performance video that combines hundreds of home-recorded singers, heart-felt poetic interludes and a triumphant title song, written by Some Voices.

The theme of Louder Together is the power of music to unite us all, despite differences and distances. Although unable to sing together in person, members united through online rehearsals and recorded songs and words to create a piece of performance art.

“Combined we can power the pressure. Speak out when it’s right. Cos we’re louder together.” from Louder Together by Some Voices and Chima Anya

Every term, Some Voices members nominate charities to support through performances and social activities, as part of their mission to give back to the community. This term, in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement, they chose to support the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust:

"The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust was amongst the nominated charities and we were immediately drawn to its values and passion to work with young people in overcoming discrimination. They not only work in schools and communities, but also help businesses to look at the benefits of inclusion throughout their management structures. These are all essential steps to take together to make real changes." Laura Howe, Musical Director, Some Voices

As well as the premiere, the choir organised an online quiz and a raffle, and raised a total of £2,700 for the Trust.

“We are very excited and grateful that you have selected SLCT to support. Racism, discrimination and under-representation cannot be fixed by short-term outrage.  With your support, together we can create a society in which everyone is seen and treated equally.  Thank you for standing with us.” The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust

Find out more about the charity: www.stephenlawrence.org.uk

Watch the performance video, Louder Together below:

Give the gift of singing with a Some Voices gift card

If you are looking for a gift for a musical friend, karaoke enthusiast or shower singer in your life, why not give the gift of joining an online choir?

Some Voices choir has now introduced Gift Cards so you can treat your loved one to membership of a creative community where they can learn, sing, share and be part of memorable experiences.

Right now, Some Voices is operating a virtual choir including video rehearsals, online socials and the chance to feature in an end of term performance video and Spotify EP. Members from across the UK are finding it a great way to come together and an enjoyable focus and creative outlet from the safety of their homes.

Our gift cards are available online and are valid for 6 months so recipients can choose when they join. They are delivered by email so easy to send even at the last minute and can be purchased in multiples of £25 (our current online choir full membership is £50).

They are a great gift for singers and anyone whose usual choir is currently not rehearsing. But Some Voices is also perfect for anyone who is new to singing – no experience is required and you learn by ear so anyone can join.

Buy gift cards here: https://www.somevoices.co.uk/gift-cards

Is singing good for you?

How joining an online choir can boost your health

If you love to sing - in the shower or along with the radio - the good news is that now you can join an online choir and belt out some tunes at home! Singing with an online choir means anyone can join, wherever you are, no matter what your level of skill or experience. You can learn songs and improve your singing ability, become part of a community and have fun along the way.

As well as an enjoyable hobby, singing is proven to have benefits for your mental and physical health.

What happens to your body when you sing?

When you sing, your brains releases endorphins and oxytocin which naturally relieve stress and lower anxiety levels. Singing can also help to lower blood pressure and produce a calming effect on the body.

“I’ve been a Some Voices member for around 5 years and the weekly rehearsals have been such a constant mood-lifter in challenging times. The online choir has reminded me of the amazing power of a good sing, and I’ve felt so much better for doing it.” Eleanor

Singing is an aerobic activity that exercises major muscle groups including the lungs and diaphragm, helping you improve your cardiovascular fitness and encouraging you to take in more oxygen which can make you feel more alert.

Singing has also been proven to boost your IQ and improve your memory. So not only can you learn those lyrics to your favourite songs but doing so will help your memory skills and cognitive ability.

Does singing make you healthy?

The positive effects of singing can help to strengthen your immune system by counteracting stress which lowers your ability to fight off illness. Singing has also been shown to increase immune-boosting antibodies and research has shown the extra airflow can reduce the risk of bacteria in your respiratory tract. 

Singing improves your lung capacity and helps you breathe more easily. Breathing exercises as part of online choir rehearsals are a great way to improve your singing skills and let you sing louder and longer without damaging your voice.

Standing up straight to sing improves your posture. As part of online choir sessions, you join in with a physical warm up to make sure you are engaging your muscles and singing with a good posture which has positive benefits for both your singing skills and your physical health.

Singing has been proven to relieve pain as endorphins act in a similar way to morphine – without the risks. Although our members find that singing can also be addictive!

“I just pray that people realise how much singing can lift your mood, whether you’re a great singer or never sung before... Believe me.... It helps so much. I'm so grateful for our Some Voices community.” Elizabeth

Is singing good for your mental health?

As well as physical benefits, singing is proven to reduce anxiety and depression, especially when singing together with others.

“I joined the choir having never sung before. I have had the best time - it has helped me manage my anxiety like nothing else has ever done. I’ve found having to focus on learning a song has really helped my anxiety.” Carrie-Ann

When you concentrate on singing, you are focused solely on the activity which allows you to ‘turn off’ from distractions and negative thoughts. Mindful activities like singing are proven to have benefits including stress relief and improved focus. 

Singing is a great way to increase your confidence and self-esteem. By singing from the safety of your own home, you can improve your skills and learn new techniques, all without an audience so no nerves or judgement. By joining in with an online choir, you can connect with others who enjoy singing and become part of a community. Our members find being part of Some Voices choir makes them feel less isolated.

"I’ve made loads of great friends through Some Voices and being able to get together every week and sing online has made a world of difference and stopped me feeling so lonely.” Sarah

By learning and practising a range of songs with different moods, you can express your emotions in a safe outlet. Taking part in our virtual performances is a great way to be creative from the comfort of your own home and our videos and Spotify albums are something you can be proud to be a part of.

How can I join an online choir?

Some Voices have a series of online rehearsals on our YouTube channel for free, including learning songs, finding your voice part and our Virtual Voices videos where you can practice your part.

You can also book a virtual rehearsal for your team or company event - this is how it works: https://youtu.be/qazKABDuSV4

Find out more at www.somevoices.co.uk/book-our-choir