2019 started just like any other year. I thought I was happy and content with life – I joined choir after a friend recommended it to me. I gave it a go and enjoyed it immensely. All of a sudden there was something getting me off a sofa, enjoying music again and making a host of new friends.

After a few months I was thrilled and thought this was the new happier me but what I didn’t realise is that I was only at the beginning of a beautiful journey. Both Dan (our choir leader) and the other members of the choir are constantly pushing you to do more, within your limits. Solo nights, lead auditions, performances etc. It’s all worth doing – especially for the confidence building.

When I did lead auditions I would shake and I mean really shake, I couldn’t hold a mic still, my voice would waver, my hands would sweat and I’d end feeling like I’d messed up. All out of fear. Little by little I pushed myself to do more. A choir friend messages me: “Have you looked at your emails?” I click that little square on my phone and it felt like my heart had stopped, I got the solo part I had just auditioned for and I honestly didn’t expect that to happen. Initially it was joy, but slowly and surely the fear set in, I couldn’t do this it was too much too soon. Well, I needn’t have worried.

Dan was straight on the case with a 1-1 session, we ran the song a couple of times, did some tweaking and it sounded great – the only problem was my nerves. In rehearsals we practised it with the choir, the first few times it was terrifying but the love in choir and support each time I did it was unreal and all of a sudden I started to believe that I could do it.

Time raced by, with each gig I’d move closer to the front to get used to all the faces and then, the big annual winter show was upon us. We ran soundcheck and everything became very real. It then hit me, not only can I do this but I can smash it out of the park.

Sure, the nerves were still there, but the smiling faces in the audience, the big cheers and support, the looks on my families faces and the indescribable feeling of performing with a sea of friends singing and dancing behind me, made the entire experience one of complete un-disrupted bliss.

Two shows later, the day was over. I walked out of the theatre suddenly realising I was capable of so much more and all thanks to the constant love and support of my fellow talented singers and our incredible leader Dan. So now 2020 has started, only this year I feel completely different – this year I’m more confident, I’ve found a place to belong, I’ve found a safe place to truly be myself but most of all, I’ve found an extended family.

Don’t question it. Just audition. You don’t realise what you’re missing until you find it.

Bex Cox
(Bournemouth Member)

If you’d like to apply for an audition with Love Soul Choir, please visit the audition page on our website. Once you’ve sent your application to us, we’ll be in touch within a couple of days to schedule the time and place of your audition.