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Tom

I was originally dragged to my first Vox rehearsal after talking to my friends who were already in the choir. I made the mistake of telling them how much I liked singing but could never do it in front of anyone else.


I've found the choir to be a lovely and inviting group of fun and hardworking people. I was surprised by the level of skill, capabilities, and passion from everyone, which went above and beyond my expectations for a community choir.


I've built my confidence in singing around non-judgmental people, even as someone who has never sung before. There are no expectations of musical knowledge beforehand, just passion and hard work. It's a good amount of work, especially those lyrically challenged like myself, but it is extremely rewarding and I haven't regretted joining once.


So if you're looking for a place to sing and a home full of wonderful people, especially if you are a man, then please join us!

Mike

I joined Vox as I was new to the area, hoping to find community and an outlet for performance and music. I got that and so much more!
Everybody has been so friendly, making me feel comfortable and sing with uninhibited joy. Wednesday evening rehearsals have quickly become the highlight of my week!


I love that we work hard on making the best sound we possibly can, with a positive and constructive culture while having fun. There’s been no pressure to catch up - I’ve been able to learn the songs at my own pace and perform when I feel ready. There’s no expectation to have a musical background and we learn pieces in a way that is accessible to everyone.

 

I’ve also been impressed with the level of dedication and organisation from the volunteer committee that run the choir, from the resources and recordings to help us practice at home, through to the excellent communication so we always know what is going on.


It’s been such an amazing start with Vox. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone considering it… so much so that my partner has now also joined and is loving it too!

Lauren

At the end of 2021, after a tough couple of years, I decided I needed singing back in my life. I looked at local choirs and came across Southend Vox. When checking their website, it was exactly what I was looking for: contemporary music, no auditions, just a love and enthusiasm for music, and a community feel. So I contacted them at the end of January 2022, but they didn’t have space at the time. Luckily, it wasn’t long until they invited me to come along at the beginning of March.

Well, it really was what I was looking for and so much more. We have been on the BBC, sang at the Royal Albert Hall, performed in several local events, and put on our own concert at the Palace Theatre, just to name a few. I have learned so much and grown in confidence with their help and guidance.

But the biggest thing for me is the people, the community. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel part of something again. I have made wonderful friends, that I really look forward to seeing and singing with every week. I can’t thank the choir enough for helping me find myself again, for giving me my confidence back, and for bringing singing back to my life.

Heather

I enjoyed singing and performing on stage at school but was never in a choir. I joined Southend Vox with a friend who wanted someone to go with and as we didn't have to audition and were free on Wednesdays, we decided to give it a go.

 

One of the first songs I remember was Fields of Gold. I had no idea what 'Coda' was and couldn't read music so got in an awful muddle but 15 years and countless songs later I am still learning and love being an Alto.

 

I've had so many memorable times performing with Vox. In 2012 we had a four-day concert tour of Dublin where we sang and drank in the Guinness Brewery. I've loved competing in the Choir of the Year and performing at the London Palladium, Cliffs Pavilion and Royal Albert Hall.

 

We are a much bigger choir now and go from strength to strength under the direction of our inspirational leader and mentor Katie McEwan. Southend Vox is my weekly tonic and being part of such a loving supportive family who sing, laugh and occasionally cry together, is hugely important to me.

Chris

Twelve years ago, my lovely neighbour was a member of Southend Vox. I would see her going out all dressed up and excited on the way to a performance. I decided that it looked like something, that I would love to do too. I'd not done anything on stage since my school years, so I was excited and a little apprehensive to give it a go.

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I needn't have worried. I was welcomed so warmly and my lack of music reading skills didn't really hold me back, as learning a new song Is done bit by bit and part by part.

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Over the years, we have performed in so many different places. Locally and at prestigious venues such as The London Palladium and The Royal Albert Hall. Nothing beats the feeling of standing up there, knowing that after all the rehearsals - you are going to be the best you can be. To hear the sound of our full choir around you is just incredible.

Southend Vox members are my second family. Lockdown, was a difficult time for everyone but we met on Zoom and kept each other going. Also, producing a few videos along the way, after sending in recordings of ourselves at home.

 

Come and give us a try - we'd love to meet you.

Kirsty

After leaving my job in London, I also said goodbye to my choir of 12 years. I had a look for local options and found the Vox videos on YouTube and thought "I want in!".

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I've been with Vox two years and have already forged new friendships and had many amazing experiences including a Christmas Spectacular at the Palace Theatre and supporting the Musica Man Project at The Royal Albert Hall.

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My fellow singers have helped me raise my performance skills too and my friends and family are always asking when they can come to see us next!

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