SINGING is thought to be something which can lower stress, relieve anxiety, and elevate endorphins. This notion is upheld by many scientists, psychologists and music therapists; and it is also a thought wholeheartedly shared by members of Okehampton Social Sing.

Social Sing is an initiative that allows people in Okehampton the chance to find and develop their voice as well as socialise with like-minded music lovers. The initiative is part of the OCRA Music Project.

The social singing group, run by experienced vocal coach Kelly Young, encourages people of all ages to participate in a fun and informal singing workshop.

The hour-long singing session takes place every Tuesday afternoon from 2pm and is followed by an afternoon cup of tea or coffee and friendly chat.

Musical director Kelly, who also runs the popular Okehampton Singers choir, uses her expert knowledge obtained from a music degree and years of experience to enhance the singers’ abilities.

‘Everyone can sing! If you can make a sound you can join in. That’s the key — it’s very inclusive,’ said Kelly.

‘You don’t need to have any singing experience or any kind of singing aspirations to join the group, you just need to be up for having some fun!

‘There’s a real equality in music and it is such an important part of society and culture. Music transcends across all ages and genders — it is a form of communication that brings people together.

‘Singing in particular improves people’s moods. The songs we sing are varied. We start with warm-ups and then I get the groups to join in with some African round songs and these are always great fun.

‘We sing all kinds of music, everything from musicals to pop to soul. We often use lots of music composed by Rodgers and Hammerstein.’

As well as traditional vocal warm-ups, Kelly invites members to join in with a very gentle physical warm-up, including small stretches and exercises that focus on breathing and posture.

Kelly said: ‘I teach people to have a healthy voice. Everything we do when we sing affects our voice, our breathing, our posture, our mood — absolutely everything affects the sound.

‘As well as helping people with their voice I also work on building confidence. The group has a real focus on friendship and well-being. We meet up for an hour of singing and then stay for an extra half an hour to have a coffee and a chat.

‘If anyone is thinking of giving social singing a try but perhaps lacks confidence, I would encourage them to come along anyway and give it a go as they may surprise themselves.’

New social singing member Kirsty Jefferies admitted that she had felt a little nervous before attending her first social singing session. She added: ‘I heard about the social singing on Facebook, it looked like fun and I’m so glad I gave it a go.’

Social singing member Ann Barnard moved to Okehampton a year ago.?She expressed a fondness of the social singing group as it had really helped her to make friends in a new town.

She said: ‘I moved here from Norfolk a year ago and I didn’t know anyone. Okehampton Social Sing has really helped me to meet people.

‘It’s not a stuffy choir group, or anything too formal, and you don’t have to be a fantastic singer to join in.

‘It’s such good fun, and you get to have a chat and a lovely cup of coffee afterwards. 

‘Kelly is great, she always encourages us to suggest things we want to sing. The entire group is so friendly, and it is a lovely afternoon.’

Sylvie Peckham, who regularly attends the social sing and recently surprised Kelly with an impressive falsetto, said that the best part of social singing was just getting the chance to meet up with other people and having a ‘good old sing-song’.