Maddie who also runs a singing group for young people, Melody Makers, and teaches music privately and in school had the vision of setting up a real community choir, open to all, encouraging those who haven't sung since leaving school or only sing in the shower or in the car to re-discover the joy of singing and experience the fun of singing popular music with others. It's an open access choir for
adults aged 16 plus, both men and women. In line with the philosophy of the choir, there's no audition and no prior experience is required. Music is taught mainly by ear with scores available on request for those who like to read the notes and the choir enjoys learning simple harmonies. There are optional opportunities to learn more complex harmonies and sing solos for more experienced singers. The choir sings a range of fun and uplifting music from songs from the shows through to pop and gospel and has performed many times in the community, helping to raise money for charities, both national and local ranging from the Pegasus Play Scheme and Martha Trust through to Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Performing is optional but the choirs have found great pleasure in getting dressed up in their "black and bling" outfits with pink and purple accessories and working as a team to put on good quality entertainment wherever they go – which can range from the entrance to Deal Sainsbury's to the big stage at the Dover lights switch on or the Kent Miners' Festival. The choir was delighted to be invited to perform as one of the local adult choirs for Deal Festival's Burning of the Boats production last year and to sing at the Marlowe Theatre and meet the "9 to 5 The Musical" cast backstage. Another highlight was learning to sing backing vocals for local Elvis tribute act Elvis Pricely at one of his King and Country shows. One choir member says "I was daunted about performing at first but the choir has grown in confidence as time has gone on and we've had really good feedback from audiences". Choir sessions are packed with activity – at a typical session, after a few easy warm ups to get the voice and brain in gear, at one point involving counting and singing backwards, Maddie turns to focusing on posture and breathing to get the best out of your voice. After learning an unaccompanied African round in three parts , she has everyone up dancing as well as singing to the well known 80s R&B track Ain't No Mountain High Enough. Feedback from choir members is very positive - "I love it and I enjoy the easy dance moves put to some of the songs as it makes it more energetic and somehow easier to learn the words". "I have found the informal approach of Maddie and the Landmarkers very refreshing. It's a lovely friendly environment and the music we sing is really varied. I just turned up one evening out of curiosity and was made very welcome with no fuss. Everyone can sing and it's a great way to make friends and give something to the community. Lots of fun and gets people away from their TVs!"
"I have always loved singing and have found the Landmark choir to be a great way to express myself – but one of the best things about the choir for me has been the new friends I have made" and another commented "I can sum up the Landmark choir in three words – fun, challenging, friendly!". It has been proved that singing is good for both your physical and mental health and choir members who have recently suffered losses or are going through difficult times tell Maddie that singing in the choir gives them a lift and allows them to switch off from everyday worries. Contact Maddie on 07714 433649, email [email protected] to book your place - Fridays 6-7.30pm Landmark Centre, High Street, Deal
Read more: http://www.dover-express.co.uk/Landmark-Choir-goes-strength-strength/story-20555339-detail/story.html
