Sharon Marnell found herself in a public jacuzzi, seeking relief for her frozen shoulders when she unexpectedly began singing. A fellow individual who joined her praised her singing voice and mentioned an unconventional choir for non-proficient singers. Intrigued by the concept, Marnell, with a musical and teaching background, established her own tuneless choir in England, which grew from a small group to over a hundred performers at a music festival. Having relocated to Canada in 2024, Marnell is now introducing two tuneless choirs on Vancouver Island.
The first tuneless choir was initiated in West Bridgford, England, in January 2016 by Nadine Cooper, a singing enthusiast. Cooper enlisted the help of Bernie Bracha, a local choir leader, to create a choir for individuals who struggle to stay on key. The essence of tuneless choirs lies in the collective experience rather than individual perfection, akin to a sing-along at a concert.
Marnell, reflecting on her time with tuneless choirs, emphasized the transformative power of singing, irrespective of skill level. Many participants had avoided singing due to past criticism, but within the tuneless choir, they found liberation, joy, and lasting friendships. The choirs aim to foster joy, confidence, and camaraderie without the need for auditions or prior experience.
The upcoming gatherings for the Sidney and Langford tuneless choirs will provide a platform for music lovers, regardless of their singing abilities, to come together, sing familiar tunes, and enjoy the energy and connection that music brings. The Sidney choir will kick off on Jan. 7 at the Peace Lutheran Church Hall, followed by the Langford choir on Jan. 8 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church Hall, with a nominal attendance fee of $15.