If you are going to make your musical debut, you might as well do it alongside world-famous musicians. And that is exactly what the Royal Naval Association Community (RNA) Choir did at a sold-out Portsmouth Guildhall on 22 October.
The occasion was the RNA’s 75th Anniversary charity fundraising concert, with Fisherman’s Friends and the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood sharing the spotlight.
Both world-class acts were supported by the combined choral groups from Portsmouth, Plymouth and Scotland, making their official debut as the RNA Community Choir.
The concert showcased two distinct and distinctive strands of nautical music.
On the one hand was the precision and pomp of the Royal Marines Band, its members recognised as being amongst the finest in the world of military music.
On the other were the sea shanties and banter of the Friends, based around a group of lobster fisherman from Port Isaac, who are celebrating their own anniversary this year – 30 years since they started performing locally in Cornwall, long before their elevation to global recognition.
For the RNA Community Choir the concert represented the first time they had gathered en masse in one place – all rehearsals and practices have until now been undertaken in the three main port areas of the Royal Navy.
And although the project is relatively new – the choir was set up with a view to making its full debut yesterday – there are now plans to expand it, with local groups across the country, reflecting the widespread geographic footprint of the RNA, which now boasts almost 25,000 members across the UK and overseas.
The popularity of choirs has grown dramatically in the past few years, and gold-standard research underpins the simple assertion that singing in a choir is good for you.
Studies undertaken by such august bodies as the University of Oxford recognise that an organised group of singers taps into an ancient trait in humanity, binding individuals together and providing cohesion in communities.
But apart from the community aspect of bringing people together, there are other benefits that help with physical and mental health. Controlled breathing, better posture, the calming effect of music, can all help improve physical health, while learning new songs and harmonising keep the brain in tip-top form, while the sense of belonging to a choir helps with a sense of wellbeing and banishes any sense of social isolation.
That fits perfectly into the ethos of the RNA, which aims to foster a sense of community and camaraderie amongst members, so it is no surprise, therefore, that the RNA should embrace the benefits of the community choir.
Former Wren Christine, a member of the Plymouth choir, said:
“Singing with the Plymouth choir has been absolutely super – Ben, our teacher, has done an amazing job working with us as a group.
“Many had never sung before, so to actually sing in four-part harmony during our rehearsals was tremendous.”
Christine continued:
“I am really looking forward to the Concert. I am sure it will be fun being with like-minded people, the Royal Marines Band to accompany us, and of course the Fishermen’s Friends, who I am certain will bring much joy to the whole concert!”
Myra Hunter is the Co-ordinator for the Plymouth choir.
She loves organising – and singing! – so when the opportunity arose to take up the role, Myra was happy to step in.
“My husband was in the Army, and there are family in the Royal Navy, so when we were invited to join the RNA at HMS Drake we did, and have met some lovely people along the way.
“The choir and its members are so supportive and have become good friends. These past months have been an absolute delight, making new friends and becoming a choir. The best is yet to come!”
There is always room for more in the existing group as well as those which will be set up, no matter what level of experience or talent you have. If you would like to join an established choir, or start a new branch in another part of the country, please email wws@rnassoc.org
