Rock Choir offers members known as Rockies much more than just the opportunity to sing with others, it can be life changing as founder Caroline Redman Lusher explains
Rock Choir takes on the role of a family, nurturing, supporting and transforming lives and for founder Caroline Redman Lusher, it is quite simply her “whole world”.
The singer and musician created the phenomenon in Farnham in 2005 and its members or ‘Rockies’ now number more than 33,000, singing, rehearsing and performing as part of 400 choir groups nationwide.
Rock Choir is all about singing, having fun, community and friendship and best of all there’s no audition and no need to read music.
“Everyone who knows me understands that my whole world is Rock Choir and has been for 20 years now. It’s very much my ‘baby’ and very clearly my life’s work,” says Caroline. “Pop and rock music, performance and taking care of people are the three big areas of focus for me as well as my family, of course. I feel protective of my team, the choir leaders who work alongside me across the UK and the tens of thousands of members who take part in Rock Choir. After all, they have stepped into my Rock Choir- world and I feel responsible for their happiness, well-being, musical education and for my team, their careers.”
Caroline concedes that for any venture to succeed in the music business is notoriously tough but the letters she receives from Rockies makes it more than worthwhile. “When I hear their personal stories filled with challenges and often pain and grief, they explain how Rock Choir has helped, given them focus and friendship and made a huge and positive difference to them. It means the world to me and I know that I am in the right place with my life and career and making a difference to all these people.
“The personal sense of fulfilment comes when I see a member lose themselves in the music, smiling, singing and with sparkle in their eyes. They’re confident, free and happy. And that’s what we all want isn’t it? Rock Choir gave them this and it makes me want to work harder and offer the experience to as many people and communities as possible.”
Caroline’s new book, Sing: The Story of Rock Choir, documents her story and how she came to set up Rock Choir and in doing so help to transform the lives of thousands. The book delves into the meteoric rise of enterprise, which first captured national attention following an appearance on BBC Breakfast. This exposure helped propel Rock Choir into the spotlight, making it a symbol of joy, unity, and musical expression for people.
She explains: “When I created Rock Choir, my aim was to offer a positive, glamourous and safe social and musical platform to each community, supporting both the members who take part in Rock Choir and in turn, their families, local organisations and charities.
“I had already witnessed the positive impact of group singing on the mental health of my students as an A-level Music and Performing Arts teacher. I knew I could help communities and support the public if I offered something new and glamourous; a choir experience with exciting performance opportunities creating a busy social lifestyle led by exemplary teaching using pop and rock music.
“Instead of teaching traditional music using traditional choir values, I offered an accessible and inclusive experience with no audition and no requirement to read music. I created the unique Rock Choir experience using many well-being tools to help build members’ personal confidence, giving them a busy diary full of fun social events and immersing them in the greatest pop and rock songs of our time.
“The Rock Choir experience as a whole, leads to a huge improvement of their emotional, physical and mental health. It gives everyone a sense of purpose, fulfilment and the new friendships they make offer support, kindness and further social activities.”
For man Rockies it has become much more and is an emotional and fulfilling testament to the work of Caroline and her choir leaders. She says: “I often receive emails and letters from the Rockies and their families describing how Rock Choir has given them a new and happier outlook on life and that they have found their sparkle again; that they have made new friends for life.
“For some, Rock Choir has become a life-line when the more difficult and challenging aspects of life appear like divorce, depression, empty-nest syndrome, loneliness, cancer and ill-health.
“Rock Choir takes on the role of a family, nurturing, supporting and helping the individual. Introducing a choir which uses contemporary music, pop and rock songs and it has transformed lives.”
All Rock Choir leaders are unique and talented individuals who have been carefully chosen, not just for their talent, but for their personality and commitment to members’ well-being too. There are currently over 80 leaders leading between 3 and 11 rehearsals a week in their community.
• In Surrey and Hampshire join a choir in Farnham, Godalming & Guildford led by Tom George; in Alton, Camberley & Woking led by Danny Gortler; in Basingstoke by Glen Harvey; Georgie Standage leads the choir in Haslemere; join Lucy Hewes in Ascot & Fleet and in Chobham and Woking with Sam Smith.
• In Oxfordshire join a choir in Abingdon, Didcot, Wantage, Witney & Oxford, all led by Krisha Kaye.
• In West Berkshire & Wiltshire there are choirs in Newbury, Thatcham, Hungerford and Tadley, all led by Chloe Payne and in North Wiltshire & Swindon with Sarah Hollick.
In Berkshire join a choir in Reading, Bracknell, Henley, Windsor, all led by Lucy Hewes and in Wokingham led by Glen Harvey.
Find details about your local Rock Choir at Meet Your Local Rock Choir Leaders – Rock Choir
Sing: The Story of Rock Choir is available from SING – The Story of Rock Choir – Caroline Redman Lusher and at Waterstones, WH Smith, Amazon & more.
