UWL students and staff smiling together in the Community Choir
UWL students and staff smiling together in the Community Choir

University Community Choir hits all the right notes with students and staff

Intro

Every Monday evening, students and staff from the University of West London come together on campus for the Community Choir, an initiative from the London College of Music (LCM) and Student Experience.

Article body

A professional musician comes in to teach the group some songs and singing techniques. In the past, the choir has learnt songs including Something Inside So Strong by Labi Siffre and Don’t Start Now by Dua Lipa. The choir members get involved in choosing the repertoire, arrangements and harmonies.

LCM lecturer Esther Sheridan, who organises the Community Choir, explained why she wanted to start a choir:

I know how powerful singing can be, it just makes you feel brilliant. I am a great believer that anybody can sing and that they should have an opportunity to do it.”

Jessie Maryon Davies, the choir leader, said:

It’s a wonderful thing to be part of from the start. It’s a place that’s free from the stress of the day. We know the mental health benefits of singing together and it’s amazing to see it in action.”

The choir creates a sense of community between UWL students and staff from all levels and departments, and no prior singing or music experience is required to join – just eagerness to sing and have fun.

Esther wants to encourage as many people to take part as possible. She added:

We understand that everyone has really busy lives. If you can’t come for the whole time, then you can drop in for 10 minutes or whatever time you can make. We know you may not be able to attend it every week.”

Head of Accounting and Finance Dinusha Weerawardane shared her experience of being in the choir:

It is so much fun! And we’ve only just started. It’s lovely to see so many staff and students across different schools/colleges and professional services departments.”

Rose, a Musical Theatre student, added:

The choir is a welcoming and inclusive community and helps me to participate with the University in what I love to do.”

The Community Choir meets every Monday 5 - 6:30pm at our Ealing site. It will be back on 8 January.

  • For more information, please email student.experience@uwl.ac.uk, or check the University of West London’s Instagram Stories (@uniwestlondon) for updates.

abc

abc

Related news