Music is still lifting spirits at Bolton Music Service

  • Jul 16, 2020

Several adult choirs supported by Bolton Music Service and its charitable arm Trust Music have been rehearsing and making virtual music together every week throughout the Lockdown.

Led by Music Director Jane Hampson, the choirs have proved a lifeline for many of their members during this difficult time.

“It was so important that we continued singing,” says Jane. “We use high quality backing tracks and sometimes work in sectionals before bringing the whole piece together with a balanced voices track. People need to feel they are singing together and this certainly creates this for them. It was tough for some at first, getting used to singing at home and in front of their families, but they are thrilled at being able to rehearse and get together remotely.”

The 40-strong BMS Singers are due to go on tour to Budapest next October and are also rehearsing for a big concert in March 2021.  “We needed to maintain the momentum,” says Jane. ”We have learnt the whole third movement of Rutter’s Gloria during the Lockdown whilst revising and refreshing our current repertoire.”

Jane also leads three other choirs who have all been singing through the pandemic, sending tapes and lyrics for all the songs they rehearse every week as well as providing a Zoom choir rehearsal for each group. In addition to Musical Moments, a choir for persons living with dementia and their carers, Jane also leads the Tonge with the Haulgh Community choir and Our Voice, a well-being choir for staff at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

“There’s no doubt music has lifted everyone’s spirits," adds Jane. "This has been a fantastic team effort with staff and volunteers working together to enable us all to keep going. Everyone has been really appreciative, which makes it all the more rewarding.”

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