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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 to 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!

Mel

I joined Southend Vox four years ago & it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve never been in a choir before & was apprehensive if I could do it. I didn’t need to worry as I was welcomed into the Vox family so warmly that I instantly loved being part of this community choir. 

The weekly rehearsals have become a highlight of my week. You are given so much help & assistance to learn the new songs & guidance to help with practicing at home. The rehearsals are so much fun & the opportunities & performances even better! 

I feel so lucky & privileged to have sung with Southend Vox at The Royal Albert Hall, Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree & our own concert at the Palace Theatre to name just a few! 

I’ve always loved music of any genre & Southend Vox has opened up a singing path for me I never knew I had. I’ve also formed many new wonderful friendships. 

If you’re thinking of joining, I would highly recommend the awesome Southend Vox. 

Rachel

I was invited by my mother-in-law to watch Southend Vox perform (Leigh Wesley Methodist Church), and I just knew I wanted to be a part of this wonderful group and sing with them! Both my mother-in-law and I joined together, excited to get going, but unfortunately COVID had struck, and lockdown restrictions were put in place. This, however, did not stop Southend Vox from singing and they continued with their rehearsals virtually online. We even got to create a few YouTube videos in the process which was a lot of fun. Once the restrictions eased, we were allowed to meet in person with social distancing and sung outside in an open space. I was so nervous meeting everyone for the first time, but I was warmly welcomed with friendly faces (even behind the COVID masks) and I left feeling uplifted and inspired! I knew I had made the right choice.

 

Southend Vox is truly like a family to me. I’ve made the best of friendships, learnt so many amazing singing techniques and I’m always growing in confidence week by week, year by year.

 

Not only that, but I’ve been incredibly privileged and lucky to perform at some amazing venues such as The Royal Albert Hall with the Music Man Project, The Palace Theatre for our Christmas Spectacular and singing live on the BBC! 

 

What sets Southend Vox apart is the diversity of repertoire and the quality of leadership. Whether it’s a classic hit, a soulful ballad, or a dazzling musical number, there’s something for everyone. The choir’s director Katie McEwan is not only incredibly skilled but also knows how to bring out the best in each member, regardless of their experience level.

 

If you’re considering joining, don’t hesitate! It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional singer or just looking for a new hobby, Southend Vox is the perfect place to find your voice and make unforgettable memories.

Lorraine

Singing has been a lifelong passion for me since age four, a love Ian, my husband and I happily share. In 2018, after Ian saw Southend Vox perform at the Southend Music Festival, he insisted we join. Their sound was amazing, and it felt perfect for us.

Our first rehearsal was incredibly exciting and uplifting. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming that we couldn't wait to return. Rehearsals were structured, demanding concentration, yet always fun. The musical variety was vast; I was amazed by unexpected pieces, often thinking, "Wow, I'd love to learn that!" It was a refreshing change from previous choirs. Southend Vox encourages us to perform our best, and I've learned invaluable singing theory, from breath control to vocal blending, vastly improving my own ability.

I started as a top soprano, then moved to mezzo-soprano to deepen my harmony knowledge, and am now confident in both roles. We've had incredible experiences performing at award ceremonies, Trafalgar Square, and the Palace Theatre. The dedicated committee works hard to secure these fantastic performance opportunities. Socially, we enjoy many fun events, and I really love that the choir raises money for a chosen charity annually.

Vox has become a huge, indispensable part of our lives, both musically and socially. It's truly our second family.

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See more of our awesome members at our Upcoming Events

Tania

After finishing my education, where I had access to music groups and choirs, life became a bit quiet and I struggled to fit music into my busy life. I found Vox in 2022 when I moved back to Southend. Watching their amazing YouTube videos during lockdown really helped to lift my spirits. Since joining the choir, our rehearsal days have been the best day of my week!

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I joined on my own which was quite terrifying, but I was made to feel so welcome by the whole choir. We have so many talented singers, a fantastic range of songs and very supportive choir leaders. I love how both music and non-music readers can learn songs so easily and, not to blow our own horn, we sound fantastic! I can't believe some of the events and venues we've performed in, and never would have imagined singing at the Royal Albert Hall when I first signed up. 

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I am really looking forward to all the exciting events we have coming up. Such a massive thank you to Southend Vox for making my life musical again.

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