Song lifts the heart, voice and spirit

When lockdown first hit, the Bromley by Bow Centre community singing group moved online and continued to practice with their teacher, Louise Lloyd Soprano (pictured).

Voices rung out online when our groups couldn’t meet in person and this proved an important way of supporting health and wellbeing and keeping connected with others.

In addition to our community choir, Louise has been leading singing classes for our ESOL students which have proved to be a big hit, helping people build skills and confidence to both sing out and speak out together.

A community choir member sums up her experience –

“I hadn’t been in a choir before and had some real concerns that I would be the weakest link and that it would dent my confidence rather than build on it. I need not have been worried. The teaching approach is very down to earth. My confidence has built through the regular sessions and has a lovely social element too that makes me feel part of a supportive team. Thank you for lifting my heart, vocal tones and spirit!”

Partnership working

The healing power of singing has also been at the heart of the Bromley by Bow Centre’s partnership with English National Opera over the last three years. ENO’s Breathe programme focuses on how singing can support people recovering from coronavirus.

Over the years, community members have developed their skills and some have performed at public venues including the National Theatre, something most of them could not have imagined.

If you’re interested in getting involved in singing at the Bromley by Bow Centre, please email Sue.Agyakwa@bbbc.org.uk and sign up to receive our What’s On newsletter.