Bitterne Park Community Choir is a friendly, non-audition choir bringing people together through singing. We sing a wide range of songs spanning the decades and from a variety of cultures. Come and make friends, have fun and enjoy singing with us!
Welcome to our choir
From Jo Watkins, Bitterne Park Community
Choir Chair
When I joined the choir I was just looking for a chance to sing, it’s such a great way to express yourself and to feel connected.
I found the most welcoming group of people, accepting and encouraging. I discovered that, not only did I have the joy of singing but that singing as part of a group created a wonderful community.
No one is pushy but there is always something to do and someone to chat with. I have an incredibly busy life, there’s so much to do but I love my Wednesdays, I look forward to them and the focus and the energy they bring. You are very welcome to come and see if we’re what you’ve been looking for.
How did it all start?
From Sarah Smith, Bitterne Park Community Choir Social Secretary
Our choir began on 22nd November 2011 as the adult education course “Singing for Beginners” at Bitterne Park Secondary School led by Sarah Moore.
Three terms later, beginners, intermediate and advanced courses complete, the funding through the school suddenly stopped.
We had all loved singing so much that my very good friend and fellow member Kate began to explore transitioning to a community group, and we decided to call ourselves Bitterne Park Singers. Kate worked hard doing the necessary paperwork. She went on to hold the role of Chair for many years. We will always be so grateful for her dedication and hard work.
We later moved to The Ascension Church where Hannah Mann and Yvonne Postlethwaite became our new teachers and we changed our name to Bitterne Park Community Choir as we felt this better reflected our inclusivity.
Most members have a story behind why they sing. All, without exception, have a passion for this choir. We are grateful for the dedication of Hannah and Yvonne, who lead us with positive energy and make rehearsals fun, light hearted and inclusive.
Our concerts for family, friends and the wider community are welcoming and warm.
Our performances have generated lots of money for our chosen charities over the years.
Recent attendees have said the following about our performances:
“Your latest performance was brilliant; it sent shivers down my spine!”
“…hats off to you! Great dynamics, your music director must love you – you didn’t take your eyes off her for a second! Congratulations!”
Thanks to the support of our family, friends and other attendees, we raised £670 for Mountbatten Hampshire and £1,000 for Southampton City Mission’s local food bank at our recent concerts. Over the years we have raised nearly £4,000 for various charities.
We have supported our local food bank, Autism Hampshire, National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society, Southampton and Portsmouth Hospitals Charity, Wouldn’t Change a Thing and CF Trust.
We have led Christmas carols at Bitterne Park Triangle for over 10 years and supported other community music events.
Curious? Thinking about joining?
EMAIL bitterneparkcommunitychoir@gmail.com
No problem: we offer a free trial rehearsal to all potential new members, so you can meet the group, and find out if it is for you!
Bitterne Park Community Choir 