Auditioning for Love Soul Choir was probably the scariest thing I’ve done in a long time. But it was also hands-down the best decision I made last year. Before my audition, I didn’t think I could do it. I thought about cancelling it at least once a day. So, if I’m completely honest, I’m proud of myself for putting my fear aside and just turning up. 

You see, I’m one of those people who will do everything within their power to stay out of the spotlight. Even speaking in meetings with a room full of people at work tends to make me incredibly anxious. It’s something I’ll probably be working on for a while!  

Until I joined Love Soul Choir, the fear of being in the spotlight had always got in the way of my love of singing. It had meant that my only outlet was singing in my car, earning me countless confused and/or amused glances from passing drivers! 

Love Soul was the choir I knew I wanted to join, but for a long time I put off signing up because I knew I had to audition. I’d never auditioned for anything before. In fact, I’d never actually stood in front of anybody and sung. It was my cousin who gave me the push I needed. And by push, I mean she signed up for me (I only realised she wasn’t joking when my phone pinged and I saw the confirmation email!). 

On the day of the audition, I was incredibly nervous. I sat at work not being able to think about anything else. 

The time for my audition came and Dan (Love Soul Choir leader) greeted me at the door. He was super friendly, and his calmness helped put me at ease. It didn’t stop me shaking for the entire length of my audition song, though! After a little bit of singing, copying some dance moves and a quick chat with Dan, the audition was over. Despite the shaking, the audition wasn’t even half as scary as I’d built it up to be. 

Looking back, it was absolutely worth being brave and stepping out of my comfort zone to audition for Love Soul Choir. Because if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have met all the wonderful people I’m lucky enough to spend every Monday evening with. Plus, for a couple of hours every week, it almost feels like I’m living in a musical. And who wouldn’t want to live in a musical? 

Charlotte Blackmore
(Southampton 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.