Psychologist William James said, “I don’t sing because I’m happy; I’m happy because I sing.” This was over 100 years ago but I like to think he was envisioning the future, and in particular, the Mouths of the Tyne Community Choir (MotT). This friendly, welcoming choir must be the happiest bunch around.
I’m biased, of course. When I joined in September 2023, I was immediately made to feel part of this wonderful group. Since then, the choir have welcomed more new members – including more men – and previous members have returned. With around 30 voices, we’re small enough to know everyone – but big enough to make a huge noise.
Being a community choir, there’s no audition process and no need to read music; anyone who wants to sing can join in the fun. Our repertoire covers folk, pop, classical, gospel, and blues, all sung acapella, meaning we (and the audience) can really hear the sound we make.
Our choir leader is Bridie Jackson, a multi-talented award-winning singer/composer and community musician. Bridie guides us through the song-learning process, keeping us sounding the best we can.
She says, “I feel privileged to stand in front of the MotT choir every week. They sound amazing and are continually improving. I’ve always been impressed by their willingness to sing in any genre – they love a challenge!”
MotT started in 2008 as a six-week course called Find Your Voice. So successful was this, that the participants decided to continue singing together … and the rest is history. Membership was boosted when they joined forces with the Dollywashers choir from Backworth. There are two of the original course participants (and three Dollywashers) for whom Tuesday has always meant choir night.
There have been many highpoints along the way, such as appearances at the Mouth of the Tyne Festival, being invited to sing (twice) at Beamish pit village chapel, and singing at the Exchange as the opening act to Anthony Lo-Giudice’s dance theatre production, ROMA.
Further highlights include singing at our other fabulous local festivals, amazing fundraising concerts, and taking part in a whale song choir at the Old Low Light. That event made the BBC news!
The choir recently contributed to A River’s Lament; a project run by musician Oliver Armstrong. Through a series of workshops, we explored what the River Tyne meant to us (home, community, inspiration), gradually developing these themes to compose a song. Recorded as part of the project, we’re looking forward to showcasing it to celebrate NS800.
We rehearse in the Baptist Church, Howard Street, Tuesday 7.30-9.00pm. For more information, see our Facebook page, or better still, join us for a (free) taster session. We’d love to see you.
Facebook: Mouths of the Tyne Community Choir
Email: [email protected]
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Christine Holland is a freelance Virtual Assistant/Copywriter, recently returned to home to North Shields after living in London and Scotland for over 35 years. She joined the choir after meeting two other members at a singing workshop in Gateshead. email: [email protected]
Rehearsal Photographs taken by Maria Maza (Tynemouth Photographic Society)
