Choir hits all the right notes to raise money for Wigan charity

Local Vocals was set up at the beginning of the year by Laura Bennett, who has been involved in choirs for 10 years and previously worked with Rock Choir.

Already there are 120 members from across the region, many of those based in Wigan

While the singers cannot yet get together due to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, they have been taking part in tutorials and rehearsals online.

And now, thanks to the wonders of technology, around 70 members of the choir have come together in their first recording, singing Best Of My Love by The Emotions.

Everyone was asked to record themselves singing at home and the videos were put together by a videographer and a sound engineer.

Laura said: “It’s turned out really well, I’m really chuffed with it. Usually you would hear it organically in a choir room, but we can’t with the restrictions right now so this is the next best thing.

“We have had really good feedback and raised nearly £400 for Wigan STARS.”

The charity, which supports people with learning disabilities, was chosen using an online generator after scores of good causes were nominated by members of the choir.

Laura said: “It makes so much more of an impact to support little charities that have been more affected in the past year. Wigan STARS haven’t been able to run or get any support over the last year, so it has been very difficult. I am glad we can help them in this way.”

The success of the first video means the choir has now started work on another.

Laura said: “We have opened submissions for the second recording. The song is by The Killers, so it’s a different vibe but will be really good. We will be raising money for a different charity and I’m hoping people will want to get involved.”

Donations to the choir’s fund-raising for Wigan STARS can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-wigan-stars

To find out more about Local Vocals and how to get involved, go to www.localvocalschoir.com

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