Choir
Fitmums and Friends Intergenerational Choir
You don't have to be able to sing. You just need to be willing to have a go!
Back in 2014, Fitmums & Friends embarked on a new fundraising challenge: could we turn a group of runners, walkers and cyclists into a choir good enough to perform in public – and raise money for charity along the way? It was an exciting experiment! The answer, as it turned out, was a resounding **yes**.
From runners to singers
In that first year, around 70 Fitmums and Friends members from across Hull and the East Riding took up the challenge. Over the course of just 11 rehearsals, something pretty special happened. A group of people who came together as runners, walkers and cyclists transformed into a choir ready to take to the stage. And it wasn't just about the singing.
We discovered that there are some wonderful parallels between singing and running. Both can make you feel good, both are even better when you do them with other people, and both create that amazing sense of energy and connection that comes from being part of a group. Learning to control your breathing while singing can even help runners become more aware of their breathing when exercising.
But perhaps the biggest surprise was the impact of singing together across generations. Children, parents, grandparents and adults of all ages came together to learn, laugh, practise and perform. People told us about the confidence they gained, the friendships they made and the positive difference that being part of the choir had made to their wellbeing.
A fundraising success
Our first choir was a huge success. Not only did we raise more than £1,800 for our chosen charities, but we also discovered something that we couldn't let go. We had originally imagined the choir as a one-off fundraising challenge. Instead, it became a Fitmums and Friends tradition.
The choir has returned every year since – with the exception of 2020 – bringing people together and brightening up the winter months. Since Fitmums and Friends became a charity in its own right in 2017, the choir has also become an important part of our fundraising calendar, helping to raise vital funds to support our work.
Two opportunities to sing each year
The Fitmums and Friends Intergenerational Choir now comes together twice a year.
Christmas Choir
Our shorter Christmas programme takes place over around 3–4 weeks in November. We learn a selection of festive songs before performing at the Cottingham Jingle Bell session, along with one or two performances at the Beverley Minster Christmas Tree Festival in December. It's a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit and share some festive cheer with the local community.
The Main Choir
Our main choir programme runs from around January to March. Over approximately 11 rehearsals, we learn a varied programme of songs before coming together for a performance that raises crucial funds for Fitmums and Friends. It's a brilliant opportunity to challenge yourself, meet new people, build your confidence and be part of something special – all while supporting our charity.
Everyone is welcome
Our choir is genuinely intergenerational.
That means we welcome children, parents, grandparents and everyone in between. You don't need to be a Fitmums and Friends member to join us, and there are no auditions. You don't have to be able to read music or have any previous choir experience. You simply need to be willing to turn up, have a go and enjoy singing with others.
There is a fee to take part, which helps us cover the costs of running the choir, with a discounted rate for Fitmums and Friends members.
Come and find your voice
Whether you're a seasoned singer or someone who hasn't sung since the school playground, we'd love you to join us.
You might come for the singing.
You might come for the fundraising.
You might come to meet people.
But you might just discover that being part of an intergenerational choir is about so much more than any of those things.
It's about connection, confidence, community – and the joy of making music together.
For more information about joining our next choir, please contact admin@fitmums.org.uk