Singing with” Secret Singers” has been so exhilarating over the last 2 years. The group began in a small way but it is testament to Olwyn’s enthusiasm and charisma that at times there are now 30 of us, and don’t we sound good! Sometimes the sound we make is so beautiful that we are all aware of doing something so fundamentally joyous that we feel totally uplifted. It’s not only physically good for us but also spiritually; being part of a lovely friendly group of people and joining voices with them is so rewarding. Part of the magic lies in learning to listen to the other voices at the same time as singing oneself. And once a year our participation in “Sing For Water” in Manchester, when there are 500 people all singing as one, is yet another magical experience where we are led by one more charismatic person in the shape of” Jules.” You don’t need to have a superb voice; as Olwyn says “we can all sing!” and we certainly DO!
I first went to one of Olwyn’s Groups when I was unemployed and feeling demotivated and isolated. Her enthusiastic approach and encouragement helped me to re-gain my confidence and has given me a real thirst for singing. I have been to many of the events Olwyn has organised which have been great fun and have enabled me to make lots of new friends and contacts. Olwyn is a patient and inspiring leader who seeks to bring out the best in everyone.
These are just a few of the ways in which singing with the choir is good for me: I feel recharged and uplifted after the singing session. Sometimes I get a 'buzz' in the centre of my body and feel tingly all over. I feel relaxed and happy after singing - it's a great stress buster!
Thanks for all you do for us.
Singing with Secret Singers is...
Exhilarating
Confidence building
Refreshing
Enjoyable
Theraputic
Singing with Secret Singers is...
Inclusive
Non judgemental
Great fun for
Everyone
Revitalising
So... GO FOR IT
I joined a Secret Singers class in October 2012. I was anxious about not being able to sing well, worried that the content of the songs might be a barrier (eg religious, sexist) and thinking I might be disempowered if the words were in foreign languages. Also I was very resistant about singing in public and worried I might be pressured to do so! However I really did want to sing as I knew so many people who enjoyed the experience and I thought it would be good for my health.
I am happy to say that all my worries were allayed by Olwyn. In no time at all I was having a great time. I loved the warm-up exercises and am cross if I'm ever late - only once - as they get me relaxed and we have a good laugh. The content of the songs is easy for me to get alongside; some give me the goose bumps, some are moving, some cheering and some just very beautiful to sing. I am easy now about singing foreign songs as the words are spelt out phonetically on a flipchart sheet. I've tried out singing soprano for 2 terms and have enjoyed it immensely.
I really appreciate the enthusiasm of Olwyn and the encouraging and fun way she conducts the class. So I always feel I'm doing ok and sometimes even well. I've even performed in public alongside 500 other singers. It was an amazing experience which I wouldn't have missed for the world. So quite a turn-around for me.
Thank you, Olwyn
Dear Olwyn
These are just a few of the ways in which singing with the choir is good for me:
I feel recharged and uplifted after the singing session
Sometimes I get a 'buzz' in the centre of my body and feel tingly all over
I feel relaxed and happy after singing - it's a great stress buster!
Thanks for all you do for us.
Love Anne
Thank you for all your hard work and making singing such fun!
Thank you for all your inspiration and enthusiasm - Catherine
Have had another marvellous year of singing- you've always made it such fun! N.
Great class, great teacher - D
Many thanks Olwyn, I've enjoyed myself so much. J
Thanks for making me feel so welcome. C
Each class is 150% enjoyment! K
What a happy evening ! A room full of smiles! It did me a world of good.
Thank you for another lovely year of singing and good company.
Thank you. I love our Wednesday morning sessions - you bring so much joy to people's lives.
What great day on Saturday - one of the things I love about Secret Singers is that we get the opportunity to perform if we want to and some people can do some events and some can do others.
As I never did Sing for Water I loved the experience of the massed sing and the audience reaction, and I thought we did a really good performance in the evening thanks to your excellent teaching.
All in all another successful outing for SS. Long may they continue.
I just wanted to say how lovely it was to be back singing today. It is such a tonic.
It also seems timely to thank you for the philosophy which underlies your whole approach to our singing group - one of complete inclusiveness. The warmth of a shared joyfulness in what you help us to achieve has no barriers or boundaries.