Sunderland Youth Choir
Sunderland Youth Choir is a community ensemble made up of young people aged 7-18 who are all passionate about singing. Whether you are an experienced vocalist or are trying singing for the first time, the group is a welcoming and safe environment for you to explore your interests alongside likeminded young people and experienced singing leaders.
The Youth Choir was started by Sunderland Music Hub to address a lack of opportunities for young people in the Sunderland area to be involved with organised group singing and to learn from experienced music leaders. Since then, the group has grown to over 30 members aged 7-18, and been involved in performance opportunities across the North East.
While we may perform in front of audiences, the Choir isn’t a competitive singing group, but is here to provide a comfortable environment for young people of all levels of experience and ability. Sunderland Youth Choir was set up to bring people together, give them confidence and make friends- and that still remains it’s primary objective today.
What does a Youth Choir session look like?
The Youth Choir takes place every Thursday during term time, 5:30-7:30pm in Culture House Sunderland, SR1 3DX.
Each session starts off with some warm-up exercises before diving into learning new songs and practicing those the group have been working on in previous weeks. Choir members sing in the part that most suit their vocal range, with junior and senior members also breaking off to rehearse songs in smaller groups with our vocal leaders.
Sunderland Youth Choir prides itself on singing a wide range of songs from a diverse range of musical styles and artists. The Choir are also involved with a number of performance opportunities throughout the year, so that family and friends have the chance to see and hear all the fabulous singing that the young people have been working on.
Youth Choir Music Leaders
All sessions are led by experienced, DBS-checked music leaders who have been either been working with the Youth Choir for a number of years or, in the case of our Young Vocal Leaders, have previously been members and who now support our young singers in their progression.
Sunderland Youth Choir is led by experienced Singing Leader Laura Taylor who has ran the Choir since it first started. Laura is a singer/songwriter who has been surrounded by music her entire life and who’s influences are wide and varying. Taking inspiration from Jazz, Blues, Folk and African music, Laura looks to bring these diverse styles into Youth Choir sessions. Having studied Music and Theatre at university, Laura is no stranger to performance and is never more at home than when sat behind a piano with a cup of tea in her hand!
Joining the Youth Choir
As Sunderland Youth Choir aims to be as inclusive and accessible as possible, there is no audition process for anyone wanting to join, and all sessions are run on a pay as you feel basis.
If you or a young person you know is interested in joining the Youth Choir, please let us know by completing this form.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about Sunderland Youth Choir, please get in touch with the Music Hub: liam.huitson@sunderland.gov.uk.